Police in North Carolina say a father shot an intruder who approached his 11-year-old daughter on Father’s Day.

A Father’s Heroic Act: Protecting His Daughter from an Intruder

On Father’s Day, a North Carolina dad demonstrated unwavering bravery as he shielded his young daughter from a dangerous intruder, according to local authorities.

The incident unfolded in Wilson’s Mills, a peaceful town located about 25 miles southeast of Raleigh. As the children played in the backyard, a 23-year-old man trespassed onto the property and allegedly attempted to accost the dad’s 11-year-old daughter, as reported in a preliminary investigation by the police.

When the other children noticed the intruder, they swiftly sought refuge inside the house, alerting their mother and father to the imminent danger. The suspect, a stranger to the family, relentlessly pursued the children, violently shaking the back door handle in an attempt to gain entry. In a courageous act of defense, the father fired a fatal shot, ultimately ending the intruder’s life. The suspect’s identity has not yet been disclosed by the authorities.

Upon receiving the distress call, the Wilson’s Mills Police and the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office promptly arrived at the scene. Police Chief A.Z. Williams acknowledged that the father’s actions were driven by a deep desire to protect his family.

The shooting is currently under investigation by the sheriff’s office, with the assistance of the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office. Notably, the father fully cooperated with detectives and, reassuringly, was not arrested. As of now, he does not face any charges.

With a population of less than 2,700, Wilson’s Mills rarely experiences violent incidents. Chief Williams expressed that this event was one of the first of its kind during his five-year tenure with the police department.

The “Castle Doctrine” and the Right to Defend

North Carolina has a law known as the “Castle Doctrine,” which empowers homeowners to protect themselves against intruders attempting to enter their homes.

According to Bruce Mason, an attorney in Wilmington, Delaware, the doctrine presumes that individuals attempting to enter a home, workplace, or car have the intent to commit a violent felony and cause harm to the occupants. It also grants the person defending themselves the right to use deadly force, as they are presumed to fear for their safety, potentially facing death or serious bodily injury.

Violence on Father’s Day

While Father’s Day should be a day of celebration, unfortunately, it turned violent in various parts of the country. In Chicago, a staggering 75 people were shot over the weekend, resulting in 14 fatalities. Among the victims were four teenagers and a father of four. Similarly, Detroit witnessed 24 shootings and four deaths.

In New York City, a father of a one-year-old girl fell victim to a fatal shooting, one of four incidents that occurred within a mere 24 hours. In Washington, D.C., a 6-year-old boy and his father were shot outside their car and rushed to the hospital.

While these incidents highlight the alarming prevalence of violence, the North Carolina dad’s heroic act serves as a reminder of the lengths parents will go to protect their children.