A Spanish Fort, Alabama homeowner shot a 17-year-old male who forcibly entered their home early Saturday morning. Authorities say the teen, who may have been under the influence, was airlifted to the hospital in serious but stable condition.

LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE

SPANISH FORT, AL (2-minute read) — A tense and dangerous situation unfolded just after midnight on Saturday, March 22nd, when a homeowner in the Spanish Fort Estates neighborhood was forced to defend their residence from an intruder. Around 12:15 a.m., officers responded to a 911 call reporting a possible home invasion on Caisson Trace. Upon arrival, officers found a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound after he had allegedly broken into the home by force.

Authorities say the homeowner shot the intruder during a confrontation inside the house. First responders administered emergency first aid while awaiting medics. The juvenile suspect, who is believed to have been under the influence of an unknown substance, was then airlifted to a hospital where he underwent surgery. He remains in stable but serious condition.

Investigators learned that the teen had been at another nearby residence earlier that evening. It’s still unclear why he targeted this particular home, but his forced entry into the property led the homeowner to take immediate action to protect themselves. At this time, the incident is being treated as a clear case of self-defense, and the homeowner was not arrested.

Homeowner Acted in Self-Defense, Police Say

In Alabama, as in many states, residents have the legal right to defend themselves with deadly force if someone unlawfully and forcibly enters their home. Known as the Castle Doctrine, this law gives homeowners strong legal protection when responding to such threats.

While charges are pending against the juvenile suspect, police continue their investigation into the circumstances that led to the break-in. Substance use may have played a role in the suspect’s behavior, but that determination will depend on toxicology reports.

This incident is a sobering reminder of how quickly danger can strike—and how crucial it is to be prepared to defend your home and loved ones.

Safety Tip: Always secure all doors and windows, especially at night, and know your local laws regarding the use of force in self-defense situations. Keeping a firearm safely stored yet accessible can make all the difference in an emergency.