A man is dead after he was shot early Thursday morning at a Leesburg apartment complex.

Leesburg police were called to the Washington Street Apartments around 4:12 a.m.

When officers arrived they found Steven Ricker, 41, outside an apartment with a gunshot wound.

Ricker was transported via an ambulance to Leesburg Regional Medical Center where he died.

The Leesburg Police Department said investigators spoke with a man, identified as 28-year-old Jimmy Soto, who told them he heard knocking at both his apartment doors and repeatedly said “go away” to the person knocking.

Investigators said Soto told them that Ricker attempted to enter the doorway so he fired one shot hitting Ricker in the torso area

Police said Soto told them he was in fear for his fiancé, young daughter and son who were in the apartment with him.

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigators are assisting with the investigation.

No charges have been filed but the Leesburg Police Department said investigators have contacted State Attorney’s office to review the case.