Deputies: Homeowner shoots, kills intruder in White Center



WHITE CENTER, Wash. -- Deputies are investigating a reported burglary and fatal shooting that happened early Monday morning.

This happened in the 9800 block of 13th Avenue Southwest in the White Center area.

The homeowner told deputies around 2:40 a.m. Monday he woke up to hear glass breaking in his home and found a burglar inside. He reportedly shot and killed the suspect while he was on the phone with 911, according to the King County Sheriff's Office.

“He was on the phone trying to hide from possibly multiple people who were inside his home,” Sgt. Ryan Abbott with the King County Sheriff’s Office said. “That's what we're trying to figure out is how many people were inside the house."

Deputies searched for a possible second suspect, but so far no one has been found.

“In the beginning we believed there was another suspect possibly outstanding. When deputies arrived they began a K9 track and that K9 track didn’t lead to any other suspects,” said Abbott. “It’s unknown if the suspect is by himself or if anyone else was with him and that’s something major crimes units, who just arrived on this scene, are working to try to find out this morning.”

A nearby neighbor says he’s glad the homeowner was able to defend himself and his property. Neighbors also tell us that crime in the area is on the rise and a trail behind the neighborhood has become a hangout spot for homeless transients.

“When he first got there, I told him it’s a nice house, but I keep seeing these people behind there, and they actually broke through his fence before and he repaired it,” said Dale Meadows, who lives across the street. “They actually came up in his yard. I told him you need to put up some security back there cause these people who hang out back there are dangerous.”

Deputies currently have a search warrant for the house and say the homeowner is cooperating with their investigation.