A Denver family says they woke up to every parent’s worst fear when a stranger broke into their home around 3:30 a.m. and began walking toward their children’s rooms.

According to the family, Kevin and Sarah Root were asleep upstairs when they heard footsteps coming up the staircase. At first, they weren’t sure if they were imagining things — until the sound kept getting closer. Kevin got out of bed to check the hallway while Sarah called 911.

As reported by Fox News, Kevin repeatedly shouted for the unidentified man to leave. Instead, the intruder continued moving toward the bedrooms where the couple’s four boys were sleeping. When the man paused near the top of the stairs, Kevin rushed him and physically pushed him back down the staircase to stop him from reaching the children.

Police arrived minutes later and arrested the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Charley Cooley. According to information cited by Fox News and FOX 31 Denver, Cooley is a repeat offender who had already been arrested on a felony robbery charge earlier this year, released on bond, and then arrested again following this break-in.

No one in the family was physically injured, but both parents say the emotional impact has been significant. Sarah told Fox News that she still struggles to sleep and keeps replaying the moment they realized someone was inside their house. The couple said they were stunned to learn that Cooley had recently been released on just $500 cash bond after a previous robbery arrest.

Neighbors told FOX 31 Denver the break-in has shaken their sense of security, and Denver police reminded residents to lock doors, use exterior lighting, and report anything suspicious immediately.

A Home-Defense Takeaway

This wasn’t a defensive gun use, but it highlights an important point for families: a dedicated home-defense plan matters. The Roots did what many parents would do — react instantly to protect their kids. But when you’re half asleep, adrenaline dumping, and dealing with an unknown threat inside your own home, having a home-defense firearm that’s secured yet accessible can be an important part of a larger plan to keep your family safe if someone enters your home.

The situation ended without anyone being hurt, but it could have gone much differently. For armed homeowners, this is a reminder that your plan, your firearm choice, and your ability to access it under stress should all be squared away long before something like this ever happens.