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ARIZONA NEWS

Burglary suspect shot dead by homeowner while trying to break into Phoenix residence

Phoenix Police broke news on Monday of a burglar shot dead by a homeowner near 7th and Northern avenues, which took place Sunday.

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PHOENIX — A burglary suspect was shot and killed on Sunday while trying to force his way into a home, according to the Phoenix Police Department.

Kwame Hightower, 25, was pronounced dead at the scene, which was near Seventh and Glendale avenues, police said.

What happened before burglar shot dead in Phoenix?

Before the shooting, the homeowner called 911 around 7:43 a.m. to report that the man was in his backyard and trying to get into his house.

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While he was on the phone with the 911 operator, the homeowner shot Hightower, police said.

Officers who responded to the scene directed the homeowner and his family, which included small children, to exit the home while they investigated.

Detectives took a statement from the homeowner and later released him from police custody.

Police said the ongoing investigation will be reviewed by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Serena O'Sullivan KTAR News Reporter and Editor

Serena O’Sullivan is a Phoenix-based news reporter and content editor for KTAR.com, where she covers local and national stories with a digital-first approach. Her reporting has appeared in major outlets including USA Today, Arizona Republic, Phoenix… Read more

Comments

12 Comments

Frank Lee Blundt
Frank Lee Blundt 1 year ago

Wow!
For once a gun was used for all the right reasons!!

This is why you arm yourselves, Boys and Girls...
by the time law enforcement arrives, it's usually over.

AZ Native
AZ Native 1 year ago

Good on the homeowner. Just hope he doesn't get tangled up in any liability for just protecting himself. I can almost picture the sobbing family with their lawyer saying "you didn't have to shoot him!" or some sort of blather.

Da Contractor
Da Contractor 1 year ago

Nice job homeowner!! A good way to take out the trash.