It began around 2 a.m. Thursday at a residence in Auburn, Washington.
A Ring security camera captured the trio announcing themselves as law enforcement and trying to kick in the front door. The homeowner wisely realized this is not a tactic normally employed by local police and armed himself.
When the attack on the apparently strong door continued, the resident opened fire. The shocked would-be home invaders fled the porch and fired several shots back in his direction as they ran. No one in the home was injured.
A neighbor reported hearing roughly 30 rounds fired.
Auburn Police Department spokesman Kolby Crossley praised the residents for the security of their home.
“You can see that they really did have their home properly secured. It took them a solid 20 seconds to get through that door by kicking it and trying to ram it.”
Local media asked Crossley what the department recommends a person to do in such a situation. “We do encourage you to defend yourself, you know,” Crossley replied. “If you’re in a situation where you feel like you are being threatened. In a situation like this, that’s so terrifying. If you feel that’s the right action for you to take, then that’s what you need to do to protect your home and the people inside your home.”
The home is one of four that officials report has been targeted for home invasions in the South King County area within just a few days. These latest targets expressed their relief at having a gun in their home to protect themselves from violence.
It could have ended far, far worse.
