Homeowner shot at while confronting thieves in home

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Before the sun even had a chance to rise over Colewood Way in Sandy Springs, police say thieves were breaking into a family's car and even fired a shot when confronted by a homeowner.

"It just makes me sick," neighbor Mary Vaughan told Channel 2's Carl Willis.

Vaughan said the incident was a rare crime in the Mountaire Springs community.

"Maybe it will ease our anxiety because anxiety is not something we have in this neighborhood. Nothing happens," Vaughan said.

Sgt. Sam Worsham, with the Sandy Springs Police Department, told Willis it was 5 a.m. Tuesday when thieves broke into a car, took the garage door opener and used it to get to another car inside.

"These guys are getting more and more bold, and more desperate," Worsham said.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Survivor in crash that killed 4 friends will be OK, grandmother says
• Brothers killed in crash on way to dentist described as 'exceptional young men'
• Missing grandfather with dementia found dead

Police say the commotion woke up the homeowner. He saw what was happening and banged on a window and then went outside to confront the thieves.

"One of the suspects actually turned around and fired a shot. The bullet actually did go through a wall in his home and was lodged in an interior wall," Worsham told Willis.

The homeowner wasn't hurt, but the burglars got away.

Worsham said he’s seen entering and auto crimes spreading well beyond apartment complexes and business centers.

"It's now spreading out into neighborhoods as well,” Worsham said. “We're asking people to lock your vehicle, even in your driveway or your garage. Don't leave garage door openers where they can easily be found in your car."

Police also urge people to call 911 rather than confronting burglars.

Cox Media Group