Southgate homeowner shoots, kills home invasion suspect

A suspected home invader was fatally shot Thursday morning in Southgate by the homeowner. 

The homeowner and his wife were awoken around 4:30 a.m. He grabbed his legal firearm and fired at the intruder, who was also armed, according to Southgate Police Department's director, Thomas Coombs. 

Charges are pending against the homeowner. 

"You can, obviously, defend your home if someone comes into your home. The intruder was armed, so, yes, you can defend yourself," says Coombs. 

Police are not releasing identities at this time, but the homeowners are said to be a man and a woman in their 60s. 

The shooting happened at a home in the 15000 block of Flanders Street, which is near the intersection of Allen and Eureka roads. 

"This is a very, very quiet neighborhood through here. Nothing goes on. This is very surprising," says Rick Mercer, whose daughter lives nearby. 

Stay with FOX 2 News for updates on this story as they become available. 

UPDATE: The suspect has been identified as a 19-year-old neighbor, James Clickard. Click here to read more.