A 72-year-old Henry County man trying to scare away burglars in his home was in stable condition after being shot, police said Thursday.
The man, whose name was not released, awoke around 2 a.m. Wednesday to the sound of burglars in his garage, according to Sgt. Joey Smith with Henry County police. When he spotted the two would-be burglars, the pair ran away, Smith said.
But the incident didn’t end there, Smith said. The McDonough homeowner fired a warning shot into the air, prompting one of the suspects to fire back, striking the man in the abdomen, according to police.
The victim was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was in stable condition Wednesday, Smith said. Investigators have not yet determined if the victim knew the burglary suspects.
One witness reported seeing a newer model gray or silver Dodge pickup truck leaving the area at a high rate of speed and other witnesses reported seeing a white box truck in the area, Smith said. But it was not known if either vehicle was connected to the burglary.
Vehicle break-ins were also reported in the area of Avalon Drive, located off The Farm Road, around the same time, according to police.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact 911 or Detective J. Thacker at 770-288-8304.
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