SWEETWATER, TN — A home invasion in Monroe County ended in tragedy on September 5, 2024, when a homeowner fatally shot an intruder who had forcibly re-entered the residence, placing the homeowner’s family in imminent danger. The incident occurred on Brunner Road at approximately 6:38 a.m. after deputies had already been alerted about a mentally unstable individual in the area.

Earlier in the morning, deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office had responded to reports of a male subject displaying erratic behavior on Ogle Road. The individual had recently been released from a mental health facility, and his family had expressed concerns due to his habit of entering random houses. Despite efforts to locate him, deputies were unable to find the man during their initial search.

Later that morning, the homeowner was awakened by the sound of his dogs barking and noticed the lights on inside his house. Realizing something was wrong, the homeowner armed himself and went to investigate, discovering the same male subject inside his home. The homeowner held the intruder at gunpoint and escorted him outside, awaiting law enforcement’s arrival.

However, the situation took a dangerous turn when the intruder suddenly shoved the homeowner to the ground and forced his way back into the residence, locking the homeowner outside. With other family members inside the home and in immediate danger, the homeowner fired his weapon from outside, striking the intruder.

The wounded man initially advanced further into the home before eventually collapsing in the yard. Despite receiving medical aid from the homeowner and responding first responders, the intruder succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital.

Detectives with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident, and the findings were reviewed by the Tenth Judicial District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney determined that no charges would be filed against the homeowner, citing the justified use of force to protect his family from a credible threat.

In the aftermath of the incident, Monroe County Sheriff Tommy J. Jones II expressed his condolences, stating that the office is “praying for everyone involved.”

This incident highlights the risks of holding someone at gunpoint. The homeowner was close enough to the intruder to be caught off guard and shoved to the ground, demonstrating how maintaining distance is crucial in such situations. Additionally, firing through a door can be dangerous, especially with family members inside, as it increases the risk of unintended injury. Despite these challenges, the homeowner ultimately protected his family from harm, showing the importance of quick thinking and decisive action in the face of a threat. Always prioritize keeping a safe distance and be mindful of your surroundings when using a firearm for defense.