Polk County Sheriff praises homeowner for shooting home intruder

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd has praised a Lakeland, Florida homeowner for defending himself by shooting an intruder.

Sheriff Judd said the homeowner had a gun and knew how to use it. The homeowner gave the intruder “an early Christmas present,” Sheriff Judd added.

The intruder had thrown a flower pot at the back glass door to break in. The vigilant homeowner shot the him three times.

Police had arrived on scene to find the wounded intruder in the living room. The intruder, Steven Stillwell, 42, who has a lengthy criminal history was in critical condition when he was moved to the Hospital. His condition has since improved.

Sheriff Judd said he’s proud of the homeowner for exercising his right to defend himself from unknown intruders.

The incident is still under investigation and criminal charges will soon be placed on Stillwell.