Homeowner shoots alleged intruder

NEAR GIG HARBOR, Wash. — Detectives say a homeowner shot an intruder in the back as the man entered his house near Gig Harbor.

The shooting happened in the 5700 block of Ray Nash Dr. Northwest around 5 p.m. on Thursday.

The homeowner told investigators he confronted a man in his driveway and told him to leave.

The man didn’t respond.   Instead, he kept walking toward the house.  The man’s wife and children were inside the house. Police say the man kept going and went in the front door; the homeowner fired one shot and hit the man in the back.

The man, identified as 37-year-old Brandon Bird, was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma.

Detectives spent hours investigating and collecting evidence. They were working to find out why Bird went to the house in the first place. The homeowner told deputies he did not recognize Bird.

The homeowner did not want to talk KIRO 7, but did want to make sure it was clear the shooting didn’t happen until the man was inside his house. A friend posted on his Facebook page, “everything ok over there?”

The homeowner replied, "It's complicated. My family and I are fine. Thanks for asking."

No one was arrested after the shooting. It will be up to the prosecutor to review the investigation and make a charging decision. In a case where there is a clear threat of violence, police say a person in their home has the right to protect themselves.

At this point, investigators in this case are not saying if the Bird was armed.  They have not released his condition.

KIRO