CHEROKEE VILLAGE, AR — Authorities say an elderly homeowner shot and killed a man who forced entry into his residence on Wednesday evening.

According to a statement from the Cherokee Village Police Department, the incident occurred at a home on Katta Drive when the intruder entered through a sliding door at the back of the residence. The homeowner initially believed the noise was his wife returning from church, but after hearing a man’s voice, he retrieved a handgun from his bedroom.

Police reported that the homeowner backed into the corner of his bedroom and issued a warning for the intruder to “stop.” When the man continued advancing toward him, the homeowner fired multiple shots, striking and killing the intruder.

Thankfully, this homeowner had a firearm to protect himself. He even tried to de-escalate by telling the intruder to stop, but when the man kept advancing on him, there was no other choice but to shoot. If someone is willing to advance toward you with a gun pointed at them, there’s no telling what their intentions are or what could have happened if the homeowner hadn’t defended himself.