Lake Carolina resident shot, killed suspect breaking into his vehicle | Charlotte Observer

Richland County deputies are investigating if a man was justified in shooting and killing a suspect who was allegedly attempting to break into the man’s car early Tuesday morning.

Sgt. Kevin Lawrence, a department spokesman, said deputies responded to a residence in the 200 block of Baysdale Drive, near Lake Carolina Drive, in reference to a shooting at 1 a.m.

Lawrence said when deputies arrived they met with the victim who told them that while he was inside of his residence he heard a loud noise outside. The victim then went to his back door and observed another man going through his vehicle.

The victim stepped outside to confront the suspect, which is when the suspect then began striking the victim with an unidentified object, Lawrence said.

At one point during the altercation, Lawrence said the victim was able to retrieve a handgun and shot the suspect. The suspect fled from the home but collapsed 100 yards away.

Lawrence said the suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Richland County investigators are still working to see if any charges will be brought against the man who shot the suspect.