OAKLAND PARK, Fla. – An Oakland Park man shot a burglar who broke into his house and stole a television, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.
Around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday evening, investigators said the burglar, identified as 45-year-old Kevin Madigan from Boca Raton, smashed the living room window at 4431 NE 18th Avenue.
Inside was homeowner, Chuck Rieckman, a 73-year-old retired teacher who said he went into another room to retrieve his gun.
"The adrenaline just kicked in," Rieckman said.
Rieckman's neighbor heard the commotion and went outside to call 911, according to BSO.
Investigators said Madigan then attacked the woman and grabbed her phone. Rieckman said he came out of his house and fired at Madigan once he was a safe distance away from his neighbor.
Rieckman said it was the first time he had ever shot his gun.
A wounded Madigan, with Rieckman's television, fled in his car and stopped in the 1700 block of Northeast 48th Court and asked a resident for some gas and was given a gas can, according to BSO. Investigators said he took off again, but crashed about a mile away near Northeast 43rd Street and 11th Avenue.
He was met by deputies and transported to Broward Health Medical Center.
Madigan will face multiple charges, including burglary of an occupied dwelling, grand theft and strong-arm robbery.
"BSO detectives believe this was a justified shooting," said spokesman Mike Jachles.
Rieckman said he did what he felt he had to do.
"I knew I was within my right. He was in my house, and I had no idea what his intentions were, besides taking the TV," he said.