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Deputies: Seminole County homeowner shoots burglar

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A man shot a burglar Saturday night while confronting him at his home near Oviedo, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office said.

The homeowner shot the burglar in the legs shortly before 11 p.m. after he caught the man breaking into his car and into his home on Van Arsdale Street near Geneva Drive, Seminole County Lt. Dwayne Kvalheim said.

The burglar was hospitalized, but his wounds weren't life-threatening, Kvalheim said.

Investigators said it appeared to be a random crime.

Neighbor Gore Hamrick, who has lived on that street for 30 years, said it's not unusual for area residents to leave their doors unlocked.

"One reason we live out here: we all know each other and things," Hamrick said. "It's a good place to live out on this side of town. You hardly ever have anything like that out here."

Hamrick said his neighbor had a right to defend himself.

"You ought to be able to shoot, to take your own action to protect your property," Hamrick said.

Neither the homeowner nor the burglar was publicly identified.

It's unknown if the homeowner will be charged, an SCSO spokeswoman said.

The shooting continues to be investigated.

No other details were provided.