A burglary suspect was shot and killed during a reported home invasion at a Northwest Knoxville home early Thursday morning, according to the Knoxville Police Department.

Christopher Austin Desmarais, 24, of Knoxville, was identified as the suspect who was fatally shot Thursday morning during the break-in.

A preliminary investigation shows Desmarais was armed with a handgun around 1 a.m. when he began beating on the door of a home in the 2400 block of Lamp Drive, police said.

KPD was notified of a burglary in progress and responded around 1:22 a.m.

Before officers arrived, Desmarais attempted to break in through a window, according to KPD.

One of the homeowners fired his weapon and shot Desmarais as he was entering the home, officials said. Desmarais was pronounced dead at the scene and identified by KPD late Thursday night.

Investigators interviewed both of the homeowners before releasing them. The investigation is continuing, police said.