“People have the right to defend themselves,” said Maj. Anthony Thuman with the Clayton County Police Department, “that’s the point we want to drive home, you have the right to defend yourself.”

And a Clayton County, Georgia resident did exactly that when 18-year-old Jayven Jackson first pounded on his door at 3:00 am, then broke a window to force entry to the home.

From 11alive.com:

The homeowner said the suspect broke the glass next to the front door and reached to unlock it before making entry. Police said that as Jackson made his way up the stairs, the homeowner grabbed a rifle and shot several times in the alleged robber’s general direction.

Jackson was found at the bottom of the stairs leaking bodily fluids. He was transported to a local hospital, but died en route.

Various reports indicate that the home owner used a rifle to defend himself. Exactly what kind of rifle isn’t specified. Americans used firearms hundreds of thousands of times a year to defend themselves and their families, usually without firing a shot.

According to fox5atlanta.com, the homeowner won’t face charges in the shooting. Which is just as it should be.