A woman in Poplar Bluff, Missouri shot a man who entered her bedroom window. The suspect, who has a history of attempted break-ins, was arrested after being treated for gunshot wounds.

POPLAR BLUFF, MO (2-minute read) — A woman in Poplar Bluff defended her home by shooting a man who allegedly attempted to enter through her bedroom window. Police responded to the incident, which occurred around 5:50 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, in the 600 block of Victor Street.

The homeowner told authorities that she fired at the man as he tried to climb through her window. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Rondriguez Hopkins, sustained gunshot wounds to his shoulder and hand. Officers located Hopkins near the home, and he was transported to a local hospital before being transferred to a Cape Girardeau facility for further treatment.

Hopkins was arrested following his release from the hospital and is currently held at the Butler County Justice Center, pending formal charges. Court records revealed that Hopkins had previously been caught on camera attempting to enter other homes in 2022. He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, October 15.

Local authorities have confirmed that they are not seeking charges against the homeowner, indicating that her use of force falls within Missouri’s laws surrounding self-defense and home protection.

Missouri’s “Castle Doctrine” allows residents to defend themselves with lethal force if they feel threatened in their homes. This legal protection was likely a factor in the decision not to pursue charges against the homeowner in this case.

Safety Tip: Be familiar with your state’s laws regarding the use of firearms for home defense. Understanding when and how you are legally allowed to use force can help ensure you are prepared to defend your home while staying within legal boundaries.