A Baldwin County man told officers his fear for the safety of himself and his family during a break-in was why he shot an attempted burglar.

Baldwin County Sherriff’s Office deputies dispatched to a house in the Vernant Park community, which is between Magnolia Springs and Bon Secour, about 11:10 a.m. July 11 in reference to a burglary in progress. Before they arrived, they were notified the situation had escalated and that he homeowner had shot the burglar.

Deputies found Noah Hastings, of Foley, dead when they arrived at the scene from a gunshot wound. The shooter was unarmed and in the front yard, and deputies say he complied with their orders. He was detained and interviewed.

The homeowner and other witnesses indicated that Hastings came on to the property and unlawfully entered the home, according to the sheriff’s office, which was occupied by three adults and five small children at the time.

The homeowner armed himself in an attempt to make the burglar leave. The altercation moved into the front yard, where the investigation indicated Hastings began destroying property and made statements “to the effect that he was going to kill the homeowner.”

No charges have been filed. An investigation will continue, and the case will be referred to a Baldwin County Grand Jury.