05:27 PM CST on Tuesday, February 1, 2005

WWLTV.com

A New Orleans East resident shot and killed a man who was allegedly trying to break into his home Tuesday afternoon.

WWL-TV

Shooting scene.

The incident occurred in the 9900 block of East Wheaton Circle around 12:30 p.m.

According to investigators, the resident was at home alone when the doorbell rang. The man told officers that a short time later he heard glass breaking and saw a man who police have identified as 34-year-old Ferrial C. Johnson armed with a car jack trying to break into his kitchen.

Investigators said the man armed himself and warned the suspect, who continued to try to gain entrance before being shot once.

The suspect fled the rear yard and collapsed near the carport.

Officers said the suspect was wearing gloves and holding a car jack when he was found.

In addition, officers said the dead man is a suspect in an attempted break in that occurred about a half mile away, just minutes before the shooting.

A witness in that case described the suspect’s getaway car and license number and they matched those found on the car in front of the shooting scene.

Police said that at the present time no charges are being filed against the resident who shot the intruder.

"Certainly if a homeowner feels that his or her life is in imminent danger, then that person has a right to protect himself or the lives of other individuals who may be present inside the home," said Police spokesman Marlon Defillo.