Polk County Sheriff’s officials responded to the shooting of a man who they said broke into a Lakeland, Florida home Tuesday.
The man identified as 42-year-old Steven Stillwell, forced his way into the residence by throwing a flower pot through a glass door at around 12:50 p.m., according to a press release.
According to Fox 13 Tampa Bay, Stillwell was shot three times by the homeowner.
"He's lucky to be alive," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Only Santa Claus gets to come into your house, and Santa Claus is invited."
The shooting is still under investigation and criminal charges against Stillwell are pending.
"I tell folks to get a gun, learn how to use it safely, and load it," Judd said. "You can dial 9-1-1 all day long, but when that guy's coming through the back door on you, we can't get there in time."
“The castle doctrine is very clear in Florida law. A person’s home is his refuge. The evidence in this case at this point indicates that the suspect illegally forced his way into the home. The homeowner did exactly what he had a right to do. I commend him for protecting himself and defending his home,” Judd said in a press release.
Stillwell was later taken to a hospital where he was last reported in critical, stable condition, according to officials.
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