ABINGTON, PA — A home invasion on the 1800 block of Horace Ave was thwarted in the early morning hours of September 23, 2024, when a resident’s son acted in defense of his mother. The incident began shortly after 1 a.m., when the suspect, later identified as Khabir Shepard, followed a woman home from a local casino and forced his way inside her residence.

According to the Abington Police Department, Shepard, armed with a handgun, entered the woman’s home and immediately confronted her. After pointing the weapon at the victim, he pushed her to the ground and grabbed her purse from a nearby table. The victim, terrified for her life, screamed for her adult son, who was asleep in a bedroom at the rear of the house.

Upon hearing his mother’s cries for help, the son quickly retrieved his legally owned firearm and rushed to her aid. Seeing the gun in Shepard’s possession and fearing for his mother’s safety, he fired two shots, striking Shepard in the back and arm. The injured intruder fled the house, collapsing on the front lawn.

Abington police officers arrived shortly after and took Shepard into custody. A handgun, believed to be the one Shepard had used during the invasion, was recovered outside the home. The investigation revealed that Shepard had followed the victim home from the casino with the intention of robbing her.

Shepard was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and later released. He now faces multiple charges, including Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, and Carrying a Firearm Without a License. Shepard is currently held at the Montgomery County Correctional Facility on $250,000 cash bail.

This incident highlights the importance of situational awareness, particularly in vulnerable moments such as returning home after high-profile activities like visiting a casino. Criminals may target individuals they believe to be carrying valuables, following them from public places. It’s essential to remain alert while driving home, and especially when getting out of your car and walking to your door, AKA transitional spaces. Be aware of your surroundings, looking for any unfamiliar vehicles or people. In this case, the victim was followed from the casino, putting her in immediate danger as soon as she arrived home.

Fortunately, the victim’s son was home and acted quickly to protect his mother. Recognizing the threat posed by an armed intruder, he retrieved his legally owned firearm and neutralized the threat, likely saving her life. His ability to respond swiftly during a life-threatening situation demonstrates how preparedness and access to self-defense tools can be critical in protecting loved ones from harm.