A homeowner in rural Dearborn, Missouri, fatally shot a man who prayed to a horse, attacked a dog, and attempted to enter the residence. The incident is under investigation.

DEARBORN, MO (1-minute read) — In a rural Missouri neighborhood, a homeowner shot and killed an intruder after a series of strange events escalated into a deadly confrontation. The incident unfolded on Wednesday, Sept. 18, around 9 a.m. when emergency responders were dispatched to a home in the 15000 block of Masonic Drive in Dearborn, Missouri.

According to the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, the homeowner reported that a partially clothed man appeared on their property and began acting erratically. After arriving at the residence, the man began praying to a horse located on the property. The bizarre behavior continued when the individual attacked the homeowner’s dog.

Things took a dangerous turn when the intruder attempted to force his way into the home. Fearing for their safety, the homeowner responded by using a firearm to protect themselves and their property. When deputies arrived, they discovered the suspect, identified as a white male in his 30s or 40s, deceased at the entrance to the home.

As a result of the situation, nearby North Platte School District was placed on lockdown for approximately an hour as a precaution. The lockdown was later lifted, and school operations resumed as normal.

The Platte County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting, though it appears to have been an act of self-defense.

Safety Tip: Understanding your local firearm laws and knowing when you are legally justified to use deadly force is essential. Always prioritize calling law enforcement as soon as it is safe to do so.