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FAIRBANKS, AK — A homeowner along Old Steese Highway came home early Sunday morning to find two people allegedly stripping his property of copper, fuel, and other items. Before he could do anything about it, they opened fire on him.

As reported by Your Alaska Link, Alaska State Troopers responded to the scene around 5 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, after receiving a report of a burglary with shots fired.

According to investigators, the two suspects were in the middle of stealing copper, fuel, and other items when the homeowner arrived. Troopers say the suspects fired shots at the homeowner first. He then returned fire.

The suspects fled after the exchange. Authorities report no apparent injuries to anyone involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and troopers have not announced any arrests.

Think about that sequence for a second. This man did not interrupt a burglary and start shooting over stolen copper. He pulled up to his own home and was immediately fired upon by two criminals who decided his life was worth less than a load of scrap metal and fuel.

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That is the nightmare scenario. There is no time to call 911 and wait. There is no de-escalation option when rounds are already coming your way. The only thing standing between this homeowner and a hospital bed, or worse, was the fact that he was armed and prepared to defend himself.

Rural Alaska drives the point home even harder. Troopers cover enormous territory, and response times measured in tens of minutes are a reality of life along the Steese. When seconds count, this homeowner had exactly one lifeline, and he carried it with him.

Two armed suspects are still out there. Anyone with information about this incident should contact Alaska State Troopers.