Holly MatkinMurfreesboro, TN – A Tennessee homeowner fatally shot a home intruder and wounded a second suspect after the two men allegedly broke into his residence, tased his dog, and held his son at gunpoint, according to police.
The incident occurred in the 100-block of January Street shortly before 8:30 p.m. on May 5, the Murfreesboro Police Department (MPD) said in a press release.
Police said two masked suspects wearing gloves forced their way through the foot door of the residence, then “tased the family’s dog” and “held the homeowner’s teenage son at gunpoint.”
A third person was also inside the residence at the time.
Investigators said the homeowner grabbed his own firearm and shot both intruders multiple times.
“It was either them or me – that’s how I was looking at it and I was making sure it wasn’t me or my family,” the homeowner later told WTVF.
When police arrived at the scene, they found 52-year-old Kevin Ford suffering from several gunshot wounds near the front door, according to the press release.
Ford was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second suspect fled the home prior to officers’ arrival, but soon turned up at the Salvation Army on Main Street.
The MPD later identified him as 42-year-old Clifford Wright.
Wright was transported to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.
He has since been treated and released and was booked into the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center on charges of attempted aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent felony, and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
His bond was set at $700,000.
Wright’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 5.
The MPD said the resident who shot the two alleged intruders is not facing any charges in connection with the incident.
“I wish it wouldn’t have happened, but I’m glad it went my way instead of their way, the homeowner told WTVF.
The case remains under investigation.
