A knife-wielding intruder was shot by a resident after forcing his way into a DeKalb County apartment late Wednesday night, according to police investigating the incident as a defensive use of force during an attempted home invasion.

Late Night Break-In Turns Violent

DeKalb County police officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1300 block of Friendly Heights Boulevard at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Wednesday. When officers arrived at the apartment complex, they discovered a male suspect suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel transported the injured man to a local hospital, where he was treated for injuries that police described as non-life-threatening. The suspect is expected to survive his wounds.

According to the preliminary investigation conducted by DeKalb County authorities, the suspect was armed with a knife and had been attempting to force entry into multiple apartment units in the complex before the shooting occurred. Police believe the man succeeded in breaking into at least one residence, where an occupant inside the apartment fired shots at the intruder, striking him and ending the threat.

Pattern of Attempted Break-Ins

Investigators reported that the armed suspect had targeted several apartments during his rampage through the residential building. Witnesses and evidence suggest the man was actively trying to breach multiple doors before successfully forcing his way into the unit where the shooting took place. The identity of the intruder has not been released by authorities, and no charges have been announced at this time. Police have not disclosed whether the resident who fired the shots will face any criminal charges related to the defensive shooting.

Georgia’s Self-Defense Laws

Georgia law permits residents to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves and their homes against intruders. The state’s Castle Doctrine provides legal protection for homeowners who reasonably believe they face imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm from an unlawful intruder. When an individual forcibly enters an occupied dwelling while armed, residents generally have the legal right to defend themselves without a duty to retreat. The investigation into this incident remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the exact sequence of events and whether the shooting falls within the boundaries of justified self-defense under Georgia law.

DeKalb County police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the break-in attempt and shooting. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the DeKalb County Police Department.