Sergeant Richardson of the JSO reported that officers were dispatched to the scene at around 10:50 a.m., responding to reports of a shooting in the vicinity of the 1800 block of North Pearl Street. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the victim was rudely awakened by an intruder who had entered his bedroom, brandishing a rifle and demanding valuables.

In the ensuing struggle for control of the weapon, the rifle discharged twice, with one of the bullets hitting the homeowner in the leg. Fortunately, the injuries sustained were not life-threatening, and the victim was promptly taken to a local hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the suspect managed to escape in an unknown direction, leaving the scene behind.

At the time of the incident, the victim’s girlfriend was also present in the house. Thankfully, she emerged from the ordeal unharmed. Authorities continue to investigate the situation as they search for the suspect responsible for this brazen home invasion.

During a fight over the gun, the rifle discharged twice, striking the victim once in the leg, Richardson said. The suspect then fled the area in an unknown direction.

Richardson said the victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and added that his girlfriend was also in the home at the time of the shooting, but was not hurt.

According to Richardson, the suspect had on a ski mask and was dressed in all black.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call JSO at 904-630-0500. To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.