A Castaic woman was able to fend off a home invader with a handgun Monday morning, according to Sheriff’s Station officials.

Around 2 a.m., a woman noticed a man was trying to force entry into her home on the 36000 block of Ridge Route Road.

Once the suspect had forced entry into her home, the woman fled her residence and then called 911 to report the break in, but she then saw the suspect leave her home.

Thinking she was safe, the woman returned to her home and then barricaded the front door. However, the suspect then broke into the home using a rear entrance, according to Sheriff’s Station officials.

This time around, however, the woman armed herself with a handgun. After a short confrontation with the suspect, the homeowner fired a shot at the suspect, hitting him in the chest.

Deputy personnel arrived on scene and rendered aid until paramedics arrived.

The suspect, a male Hispanic adult, was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in fair condition and is in custody for a burglary charge.

The homeowner declined to comment about the incident when reached by phone Monday, but confirmed the operation of the nearby business, Castaic Canine Camp, was unaffected by the incident.

Neighbors in the remote canyon, who did not wish to give their names, said they were not surprised the homeowner got the upper hand, saying Sheriff’s deputies response times to the area were not as quick as other areas, and residents are prepared for anything that could happen in that time.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Detective Bureau at (661) 255-1121. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP, or “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired, on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.