RANCHO CORDOVA, CA — A 70-year-old man, identified only as Robert, says he was forced to defend his family during a violent break-in early Sunday morning at a business he manages on Folsom Boulevard and West La Loma Drive. The incident left the intruder dead, but Robert and his two grandsons—ages 4 and 14—were unharmed.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office reports that the shooting occurred around 1:15 a.m. when the suspect broke through the glass door of the business and attempted to access the back living area. Robert, who was asleep in the back room with his grandsons, was alerted by the older child.

“He shook me. ‘Papa, wake up, there’s somebody breaking in,’” Robert recounted. Moments later, the situation turned dire.

“All of a sudden, the guy kicked the door. Boom and boom! It was that quick,” Robert said. As the intruder advanced on him despite being warned, Robert fired in self-defense, fearing for his life and that of his grandsons.

“We’d have been dead if he would have got my gun when I pulled it out because he continued to go towards me,” Robert explained.

The suspect, described as a man in his 30s, fled but collapsed in a nearby parking lot where deputies found him. Life-saving measures were attempted, but the suspect was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Authorities confirmed that the suspect was unarmed, though Robert believed he saw a weapon in the suspect’s hand during the chaotic moments of the break-in.

Broken glass and makeshift repairs now mark the site of the intrusion. Robert, shaken but resolute, emphasized his commitment to protecting his family. “Am I upset about him? Yes. I didn’t want him to break in, but I’m very happy that my babies are alive.”

Sacramento County Sheriff’s Sgt. Amar Gandhi stated the shooting is being investigated as a homicide, but Robert has cooperated fully and is not expected to face charges. Gandhi praised the restraint and decisive action Robert demonstrated during the incident.

“This isn’t something that we’re encouraging vigilantism by any stretch,” Gandhi said. “But at the same time, you have to applaud him. He did what he had to do to protect the people inside, including himself.”

A passerby, Sunny, expressed understanding of Robert’s actions. “You have to protect yourself. I have kids, and if I have to protect them, I will definitely do that.”