A Pierce County homeowner shot and killed a suspected intruder early Sunday morning in what investigators are treating as an apparent self-defense case, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident unfolded around 1:45 a.m. when the homeowner contacted 911 to report the shooting. Responding deputies discovered a 36-year-old man with a single gunshot wound on the property’s back porch.
Emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but the suspected intruder was pronounced dead at the scene despite their efforts.
Security camera footage from multiple neighborhood properties captured the deceased man walking around various residences in the area prior to the fatal encounter. This surveillance evidence suggests a pattern of trespassing behavior leading up to the confrontation.
The 51-year-old homeowner has fully cooperated with investigators throughout the process. No arrests have been made as detectives continue examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office detectives and forensic teams remain active at the scene, collecting evidence and gathering information to reconstruct the events that led to the fatal shooting.
Washington state law generally permits homeowners to use deadly force when defending their property and lives from intruders who pose imminent threats. However, investigators must determine whether the circumstances justify the use of lethal force under existing self-defense statutes.
The case reflects ongoing concerns about property crime and home security in Pierce County, where residents increasingly rely on surveillance systems and personal protection measures to safeguard their families and possessions.
Home invasion incidents often create split-second decisions for property owners who must assess threats and respond while facing potential danger. Legal standards require that defensive force be proportional to the perceived threat level.
The investigation will likely examine factors including whether the intruder was armed, how the confrontation began, and whether the homeowner had reasonable fear for personal safety or that of family members.
Results of the investigation will be forwarded to the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office for review and potential charging decisions, though apparent self-defense cases rarely result in criminal charges when homeowners act within legal boundaries.
