Man fatally shoots intruder who threatened him with knife (VIDEO)

One man is dead after he broke into an Albuquerque home last week and, while armed with a knife, threatened to kill the homeowner, who was armed with a gun.

According to a report from the Albuquerque Journal, the homeowner was awakened around 10 a.m. on Feb. 26. The homeowner, fearing that the unfamiliar noise was someone who had broken into his home, armed himself with a gun and went to see what was causing the commotion.

As he walked through the house, the homeowner found an intruder crouching in the kitchen. He told authorities it appeared the man had a knife in his hand, and he told the homeowner that he was going to kill him before he lunged at him.

Fearing for his own safety, the homeowner shot the intruder, who was later identified as 28-year-old Robert Bartley. The homeowner called the police, and when authorities arrived Bartley was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Police did not disclose what type of gun was used, how many shots were fired, or where Bartley was struck, but did confirm there was evidence that Bartley forced his way into the home through the back door.

The homeowner, whose name has not been released, although physically uninjured, was transported to the hospital for treatment after suffering an anxiety attack.

Isaac Torres, who lives nearby, told reporters that the neighborhood is normally very quiet and this is the first time anything like this has happened in the 23 years that he’s lived there.

Other neighbors said they believe the homeowner was justified in shooting Bartley, who had a criminal history, including a previous charge for breaking and entering.

Albuquerque Police Department spokesman Tanner Tixier said no charges will be filed against the homeowner.

“You do have a right to defend yourself in your home,” Tixier said.

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