LAKE WALES, FL — A home invasion in Lake Wales ended with the homeowner exercising his right to self-defense and the intruder, who sustained a gunshot wound, facing legal consequences.

The incident unfolded just after 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday when John Coles was awakened by his dog barking. Investigating the noise, Coles spotted a stranger, later identified as 34-year-old Cameron McGuire, inside his home.

“He actually had my daughter’s book bag on,” Coles said, recounting the chilling moment.

Authorities confirmed that McGuire entered the residence through a kitchen window. Coles, initially disbelieving his own eyes, double-checked before taking action.

“I didn’t really want to shoot the man, but he kind of came forward as I was standing down here with him at gunpoint,” Coles explained. He fired at McGuire and held him at gunpoint until police arrived.

McGuire, who has a long criminal record, including drug-related charges and domestic battery, was recently released from prison in February. Following the incident, he was treated for his injuries and then booked into jail on charges of burglary.

Local authorities, including Lt. Emmanuel Figueroa of the Lake Wales Police Department, emphasized the homeowner’s right to defend himself and his family. “This victim, or anyone, has the right to be able to defend themselves and their family,” Figueroa said.

This case illustrates the fundamental principle that individuals have a right to protect themselves and their families from imminent threats within their own homes. However, media reports referred to Coles as the “suspect” early on, an error that misrepresents the situation and undermines the clear-cut nature of self-defense.

It’s crucial for responsible reporting to distinguish between an aggressor and a victim acting in self-defense. Homeowners like Coles should not have their actions scrutinized as though they were perpetrators when it’s clear their decisions were justified by the circumstances. Always know your rights and be prepared to defend yourself and others from imminent harm.