SEATAC, Wash. — A man who shot a suspected squatter at a SeaTac home Tuesday afternoon said the gun went off when he tripped over his own shoe.
Robert Rider told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Michelle Millman the shooting changed his life forever.
Rider said he bought his home 20 years ago, and he and his wife were getting nervous when they heard a voice in the house next door that should be empty.
Rider, who said he’s had burglaries at his own home, went next door to investigate and found a man trespassing.
“Something had to be done. I wanted him gone. I tried to get him to go and he wouldn’t go,” said Rider.
Rider said he went back home to get a shotgun and when he returned, the man had ducked into one of the bedrooms. Rider said didn't know what the man was doing so he cocked the gun.
“He got past me and I turned and I was following him out of the house and tripped over my own shoe and the shotgun went off,” said Rider. “He had blood stains on his pants and I immediately felt bad.”
Rider said he put down his weapon and then waited for police with his hands up.
Millman asked Rider if he regretted using a gun to intimidate the man.
“I feel real bad about it. I’ve never shot anyone before in my life. I wished I could take it back. I don’t like the idea that I shot somebody,” said Rider.
Rider said he was questioned by police until 11 p.m. on Tuesday and then arrested and booked for investigation of assault. He was released later Tuesday night.
Rider said he doesn’t know if he’ll be charged with a crime.
The man Rider shot is recovering at the hospital and could be charged with trespassing.