Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

MEMPHIS, TN – A Memphis homeowner shot an unknown woman who entered his residence through an unlocked back door early Monday morning, leaving her with non-critical injuries and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As reported by Action News 5, officers with the Memphis Police Department responded to a residence on West Valley Circle near McClain Road just before 5 a.m. after reports of a shooting in the Westwood area.

Arriving officers found a woman lying in front of the home with visible gunshot wounds to her upper leg. She was transported to a nearby hospital in non-critical condition and later taken into custody.

The homeowner told police he had been asleep when he heard noises coming from the back of his home. He then discovered an unknown woman inside the residence.

More from USA Carry:

According to the homeowner, he fired after the woman stated she wanted to buy his house. The woman confirmed to police that she had entered the home through an unlocked back door. MPD noted that the woman is believed to be experiencing mental health issues.

Memphis police are continuing to investigate the shooting. No charges have been publicly announced at this time.

This incident is a reminder that home defense does not start with a firearm. In this case, an unlocked back door gave an unknown person direct access to a sleeping homeowner’s residence before 5 a.m. Locking your doors is one of the simplest and most overlooked steps in home security, and it costs nothing.

Tennessee law recognizes a homeowner’s right to defend against intruders, and on the surface this appears to be a straightforward case of home defense. That said, every shooting will be subject to investigation regardless of circumstances. Knowing your state’s castle doctrine laws, securing your home, and having a practiced plan are all part of responsible armed citizenship.