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Homeowner Shoots Intruder In West Suburbs

(CBS) -- A 26-year-old St. Charles man ended up in the hospital Monday when he broke into the wrong house.

Kane County Sheriff's police said they believe the man thought no one was home when he broke into a residence on Mallard Lake Road in an unincorporated area near west suburban St. Charles late Monday morning.

The 43-year-old homeowner was there, and confronted the intruder and shot him. Police said the homeowner has a valid Illinois Firearm Owner Identification card.

Kane County Sheriff's Lt. Pat Gengler said daytime burglaries have become increasingly common.

"We're starting to see more and more of them, so that's one thing we really stress to people that do stay home, or are in the neighborhoods during the day; if you see somebody that's not supposed to be there … or something's just not right, don't just write it off that 'Oh, maybe it's just the cleaning lady over at the neighbor's house, or maybe it's a relative there.' You really do need to call 911," Gengler said.

The intruder ran off after he was shot. Police found him a few blocks away, and he was taken to the hospital in Geneva. His injuries were not life-threatening. Charges have not yet been filed against the intruder.

Police said it's unlikely the homeowner will face charges.

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