Kathryn J Woo

The Republic | azcentral.com

An attempted burglary was halted by a Peoria homeowner Thursday morning after he shot the intruder in the leg, police said.

A couple told officers they heard their doorbell ring multiple times about 9 a.m. but did not answer it.

Shortly after, the couple heard glass breaking. The husband made his way to a window, where he saw a male figure trying to enter through the window and another standing outside, police said.

The husband fired one shot, hitting the intruder in the leg. The intruder fled on foot, police said.

The homeowners, who were not named, live in the 7000 block of West Columbine Drive.

An arrest was made at a nearby Circle K at 75th Avenue and Cactus Road.

The suspect, believed to be 17 years old, was transported to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg.

Another male was believed to have escaped in a silver or white passenger vehicle, according to witnesses. He remained at large.

Approaching a doorstep and ringing a doorbell is a tactic often used by burglars, who don't want to enter a home that is occupied, Peoria police said. They urged people to call 911 if they see anyone suspiciously approaching houses.