Home Invasion Suspect Fatally Shot By 81-Year-Old Homeowner

UNIONTOWN (KDKA) -- Police are investigating after an elderly homeowner shot and killed a home invasion suspect in Fayette County.

According to police, the suspect was fatally wounded after he broke into the 81-year-old's Lennox Street home early Friday morning.

Sleeping in upstairs bedrooms at the time of the break-in was the elderly homeowner and his sister who is an invalid.

"The man woke up to someone standing over his bed, demanding money," Uniontown City Police Lt. Tom Kolencik said. "He described him as a man wearing all black, a mask, black gloves. A small altercation then ensued."

The alleged burglar was identified as Franklin Schrout, 40, of Uniontown. Officials say he has a prior criminal record of thefts.

The homeowner picked up a .22 caliber gun, which he had nearby and fired one round. It hit Schrout in the abdomen.

Lt. Kolencik told KDKA-TV's Ralph Iannotti, "The [unidentified] homeowner advised [us] that he had the gun for over 30 years sitting on his nightstand and has never fired the weapon... and uses it today and it saved his life."

Charges are not expected to be filed against the homeowner, who police said was shaken up and sustained a few cuts and bruises in his tussle with Schrout.

"The final say is up to the Distric Attorney, but it looks like self-defense," Lt. Kolencik said.

The burglary suspect managed to run out of the home after he was shot. Police said they found his body in a neighbor's yard.

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In:
• Home Invasion
• Uniontown
• Fatal Shooting
• Fayette County