Brandon Woman Shoots And Kills Apartment Intruder: Police

BRANDON, FL — A Brandon woman shot and killed an apparent intruder at her apartment on Sunday morning, authorities said.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said that just before 4:30 a.m., a man the woman most likely knew knocked on her door at Woodberry Woods Apartments on Tealwood Drive.

The woman cracked open the apartment door to see who was there but couldn't see who he was, said authorities.

The man pushed the door open and an argument began between the two. The man then confronted another man who was also in the apartment, a police report said.

Investigators said the intruder shot the man at least once, which caused an injury to his lower body.

In fear for her life, officials say the woman went back into a bedroom and got a gun. She returned to the living room area, where another argument took place and shortly afterward there was an exchange of gunfire between the intruder and the woman.

Police say the woman shot the man, who was later found dead in the doorway of the apartment unit by deputies.

The woman was not hurt in the incident.

"We believe the decedent and woman involved in this shooting knew each other," said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a news release. "We are still investigating the events that led up to this incident, however, it does appear domestic in nature."

The state's attorney will decide if any charges will be filed, according to police.

Due to Mary's Law, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will not release the names of the individuals.