Man shot, killed by homeowner during burglary

A deadly shooting is being investigated by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, WBTW reported.

The shooting happened at a home on Prince Perry Road in Pickens County near Easley, the news source reported.

According to a police report, the home owner came home to find an unknown man in the house around 8:12 a.m. on Wednesday. Justin Smith, the 27-year-old burglar, was caught by the homeowner stealing several guns, according to WBTW.

According to Chief Deputy Creed Hashe, Smith was shot by the homeowner after the two fought and the homeowner managed to get a rifle. The homeowner was able to fire several shots at Smith.

WBTW reported that the intruder tried to leave but he collapsed and died on a deck.

No one else was inside the home at the time of the incident, according to a report.

The investigation is still ongoing. According the WBTW, the sheriff’s office will turn over all evidence and information to the Pickens County Solicitor’s Office for review in order to determine if the homeowner is justified in the shooting.

This story was originally published December 19, 2016 at 8:24 AM with the headline "Man shot, killed by homeowner during burglary."