SANDSTONE, Minn. (WCCO) – A 16-year-old has been arrested in connection with a fatal home invasion in Pine County that happened Thursday morning.
A Pine County homeowner in his 70s shot and killed an armed intruder breaking into his house in rural Sandstone at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday.
The homeowner was sleeping on a couch downstairs, while a houseguest slept upstairs. The homeowner woke to find two intruders ransacking his home.
“The elderly man got up, confronted these two parties. One of them produced a handgun and threatened the elderly man,” sheriff Robin Cole said.
Cole would not reveal details of what happened next, but said the homeowner was able to get his own gun and then shot and killed one of the men.
Authorities believe the homeowner truly feared for his life.
According to the county sheriff’s office, they arrested a 16-year-old male they believe was the second person involved in the break-in.
The suspect, who was not identified, will likely be charged with several counts including first-degree burglary.
The Sheriff says the gunman who was killed has a long criminal history. The identity of that person has also not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
