Suspected burglar shot by female homeowner in Delaware

STANTON, Del. (WPVI) -- Delaware State Police have captured a suspected burglar who was shot and wounded by a female homeowner early Tuesday morning.

The Action Cam was outside a home on the 1900 block of West Newport Pike in Stanton.

Police say the home was vacant and under renovation.

When the homeowner and her son arrived to check on the home just before 6:00 a.m., she found someone inside.

After a confrontation, police say, there was a struggle and the homeowner, who was armed with a gun, fired one shot, striking the suspect in the lower body.

The bleeding suspect fled the house on foot and went into a wooded area. A police manhunt began, with dogs and helicopters used in the search.

The suspect was found in a nearby trailer park.

The commotion awoke neighbor George Fox.

"What I hear is that people were breaking in, taking stuff and even partying in that place," Fox said.

Police confirm the home has been the subject of several break-ins recently. Investigators say the homeowner and her son had been renovating the house after her father passed away.

She brought the gun on Monday morning because she feared for her safety, police said.

"It's awesome. If someone was going to break into my house I'd want to do the same thing. You've got to protect yourself," said neighbor Lou Fournarakis.

Police have identified the alleged burglar as 21-year-old Gregory Alexander. Action News is told Alexander is homeless, and that he will face burglary charges.

Police are still investigating the homeowner to determine if she had a license to carry and if the shooting was justified.

"That's part of the ongoing investigation. We are still in the preliminary stages," said Cpl. Jeff Hale of the Delaware State Police.

Alexander was taken to Christiana Hospital in stable condition with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.