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SEATTLE, WA — A Seattle man shot an intruder early Friday morning after the suspect broke into an apartment building and attempted to force entry into his home, where the man’s wife and 2-year-old child were present.

The incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. at an apartment complex in the 100 block of 21st Avenue. Officers from the East Precinct responded to reports of a shooting and arrived to find a 28-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper leg. As officers rendered aid, they identified him as a suspect in multiple attempted burglaries within the building.

According to police, the suspect had forced his way into the complex by breaking through an exterior door. He then attempted to enter several apartments before arriving at a third-floor unit, where he began yelling and kicking at the door.

Inside the apartment, a 31-year-old man was with his wife and young child. He told officers he gave the suspect multiple verbal warnings. When the intruder forced open the door despite those warnings, the resident fired a single shot through the door, striking the suspect in the leg.

Medics transported the suspect to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. He was later arrested for burglary.

This case highlights how issuing verbal warnings before using force can demonstrate a clear attempt to avoid violence. The resident’s decision to fire came only after the suspect ignored those warnings and forced entry, presenting an immediate threat to his family. His actions appear to align with lawful self-defense in response to a forcible home intrusion.