Trending

‘I did what I had to do’: Woman shoots would-be burglar during break-in, sheriff says

DUNN, N.C. — A woman is credited with shooting a would-be burglar who was breaking into her home early Tuesday morning.

>> Read more trending news

The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office said it was called to a burglary at the home of a 29-year-old woman who told them she was woken up and confronted by a man who was in the process of stealing her belongings, including attempting to take her pet dog, WNCN reported.

The woman told deputies that she yelled at the suspect, identified as Malihk Giles, to leave and then opened fire, WTVD reported.

“All I did was turn around and grab the gun,” Tarika McAllister told WRAL. “I was fumbling with it. It’s my first time using it.”

Deputies said the suspect was shot multiple times but was able to leave the home, and was found approximately 200 yards away suffering from gunshot wounds to his right leg and right side, WNCN reported.

“I just lifted (the gun) up, and I started shooting at him, wherever he was moving to, I just shot him out of the house,” McAllister told WRAL.

Sheriff Wayne Coats told WNCN that the suspect and the homeowner do not know each other. Giles was charged with first-degree burglary and possession of stolen property.