Would-be robber killed by homeowner, deputies say

BSO says suspect shot during confrontation with homeowner

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A would-be robber was shot and killed by a homeowner early Wednesday morning near Fort Lauderdale, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.

The fatal shooting happened at a home on Northwest 30th Terrace.

BSO spokeswoman Gina Carter said a masked man dressed all in black tried to break-in.

There was a confrontation between the suspect and the homeowner, the suspect barged into the home and shots were fired, Carter said.

The suspect, identified as Gary Peterson, 51, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Carter said Peterson was holding what appeared to be a gun when he tried to break into the home.

"They say he came out and tried to rob him with a toy gun. Ain't that something?" a man who lives in the area said.

The homeowner is not facing charges in Peterson's death.

People who live in the neighborhood said Peterson was a known homeless man in the area.

"He can be mean at times, but I just know he's a good person and they didn't have to kill him," a woman named Carissa said. "Our neighborhood is going downhill because of the bad vibe, bad spirit, bad everything. We just need to take our hood over."

Another neighbor said the victim simply did what he had to do to protect his own life.

"I probably would have done the same thing," Beverly Long said. "People work too hard for anybody to come in and break in their house."

Authorities said Peterson had an extensive arrest history for charges including robbery with a firearm, PVP possession, cocaine possession, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to sell, trespassing, battery, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest without violence and parole violation.

He was released from prison in February for a June 2015 arrest.
 


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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.