While the pen might be mightier than the sword, a gun absolutely trumps a stick. A Washington homeowner discovered this when a trespasser wouldn’t leave and then tried to break inside.

The incident happened last Thursday. Police say that the homeowner told the unidentified suspect to leave. However, he refused. The suspect then tried to get inside through the backdoor and attacked. The homeowner tried fending the suspect off with a piece of wood, but it didn’t work. So, he finally pulled a gun and fire a single shot into the chest.

“The homeowner knew that he did the right thing, and the only thing he could do to protect himself and his wife,” Lt. Tim Rudloff said to Q13 Fox.

Police said the suspect was homeless. Neighbors in the area are concerned but not afraid about transients coming into the area. In fact, one neighbor said he would do the same thing if someone came into his home. Once the suspect is released from the hospital, police will charge him with first-degree residential burglary. The homeowner will not face charges as he was acting in self defense. However, police recommend that folks dial 911 if someone break into your home instead of confronting the intruder.

Washington Homeowner Kept Gun Handy

It is pretty obvious the homeowner didn’t want to shoot the intruder; he just wanted him to go away. And he tried to send the guy packing with non-lethal means. However, when it boiled down to it, the homeowner had access to a gun, along with the willingness to use it.

Access is the biggest lesson to be learn here. Many concealed carriers remove their carry gun when they arrive home. This, however, is a mistake, unless some sort of access is still available. No one expects to have to use a gun in the safety of their home, but no one really wants to use one period. This is why it is smart to always carry, or have access to, a gun at all times.