GROVER, NC — A late-night confrontation involving a suspected burglar led to an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and residents on Mallard Drive, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to a suspicious person call around 10:55 p.m. on October 13 at 138 Mallard Drive. The homeowner had noticed lights on inside a nearby home that was under renovation and knew that no one should have been there. Suspecting a break-in, the homeowner stepped outside and saw a man in a yellow sweatshirt carrying something near the building.

When the homeowner confronted the man, the suspect opened fire. The homeowner was not struck and quickly called 911.

The sound of gunfire drew the attention of a nearby neighbor, who came outside and also encountered the suspect. Believing the suspect was preparing to shoot at him as well, the neighbor fired his own weapon. The suspect fled the scene in an Audi. Investigators have not confirmed whether the suspect was hit.

“We’ve always told people not to mess around down here because we’ll do what we have to do to protect our homes,” local resident Clayton Campbell told WBTV. “And the people who came messing around last night realized we weren’t playing when we said that.”

This incident highlights how quickly a situation can escalate. It’s completely understandable to want to intervene when you suspect a crime is taking place, especially in your own neighborhood. But it’s worth stepping back and looking at what actually happened here: the initial homeowner confronted someone he believed was burglarizing a vacant home. In doing so, he was shot at. Thankfully, he wasn’t hit—but it could have ended very differently.

As much as it goes against instinct for some, stepping outside to stop a crime in progress—especially when no lives are immediately at risk—can put you in a deadly situation. Personally, I’d rather be a good witness. I’d stay inside the safety of my home, call the police, and let them handle it. Some might say that’s just letting criminals get away with it. I get that. But I’d rather be alive for my family than risk everything to protect property that can ultimately be replaced. My life can’t.