BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - A 68-year-old East Lake man opened fire on two home intruders this morning, wounding both men.

The incident happened this morning at a home in the 7800 block of Second Avenue South. Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards said East Precinct officers were called to the man's home just before 10:30 a.m. on a report of a burglary in progress.

The victim told officers he heard noises in the front of his house and went to investigation. He encountered two men, and fired his handgun at them.

The burglars, Edwards said, enter the home through a window on the side of the house. "Obviously they didn't know he was home,'' he said. "He discharged his gun several times."

The suspects fled the scene. Police said it appears they had a getaway car parked around the corner.

A short time later, two men with gunshot wounds showed up at St. Vincent's East. They were later transferred to UAB Hospital for treatment.

One of the suspects is expected to survive. Police said the condition of the second suspect is critical. He was shot in the neck area.

The victim apparently didn't know whether or not he had hit the intruders. When officer told them they had been struck, he said, "I hope they are OK."

Edwards said the victim told police he had been burglarized several times in the recent past. There have been several incidents in recent weeks where Birmingham area homeowners have fought back against burglars.

"I just believe homeowners have really had enough,'' Edwards said. "They are trying to protect themselves and protect their property."

Updated at 12:31 p.m. to include photos and more information.