A homeowner in Darien fired his gun as three masked people were illegally entering his home on Thursday morning where young children were residing, police said.
Police are still investigating whether a juvenile who was treated at an area hospital for a gunshot wound could be a suspect in the burglary, which was reported around 6 a.m. at a home on Five Mile River Road, according to the Darien Police Department.
The homeowner told police three people wearing masks, including at least one who was armed with a handgun, were seen rummaging through the front porch before another resident of the home called 911, according to police. The masked intruders used a key that was hidden outside to begin entering the home, police said.
As they entered the home, the homeowner told police he fired a gun at them, according to police. The intruders then fled the area. The homeowner told police he was afraid and feared for the safety of his family, which included two small children, according to police.
Police said they later learned that a juvenile “potentially matching” the description of one of the suspects arrived at Bridgeport Hospital with a gunshot wound. The minor was rushed to surgery and has been listed in stable condition, according to police.
Detectives “continue to look into the individual’s possible involvement in the incident,” police said.
Darien investigators said they worked with area police departments and were able to find the vehicle believed to be used by the intruders, which had been stolen from a residence in Fairfield. Authorities seized the vehicle and are continuing to investigate.
“We would like to thank the Bridgeport and Fairfield Police Departments for their assistance in this investigation,” the police department wrote in a statement. “No further details are being released at this time.”