ELYRIA -- An Elyria homeowner shot and killed a man who had broken into his home early Friday morning.
Linda Dillon of Water Street called 911 at about 2:45 a.m. and told the Elyria Police dispatcher, "My husband shot him."
"Oh, my God, he's lying on my couch," a nearly breathless Dillon said of the intruder. "He's on my couch. Thank God my granddaughter didn't stay home tonight. I think this guy is dead."
The burglar was transported by ambulance to EMH Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. He has been identified as Jeffrey Carson, 29, of Elyria. A search of Lorain County court records showed Carson had a violent criminal record dating back to the age of 17.
The homeowner, Jack Dillon, yelled at the intruder, who police say lunged at Dillon, who had been sleeping on the living room floor with a handgun. That is when the homeowner shot the burglar.
Linda Dillon told police their family's home had been broken into on Thursday and that a TV was stolen. "We knew he was coming back because he unlocked my window and we noticed it was unlocked," she said on the 911 call.
Elyria Police Lt. Andy Eichenlaub confirmed the previous break-in, telling WKYC, "There had been a burglary in that house the day before and somebody had stolen their television." Eichenlaub said it was a 50-inch flat screen TV.
Neighbors told WKYC they are concerned over home break-ins in the area. Courtney Travis, who lives across the street, says she "wished it did not have to end this way," but that Dillon had every right to protect himself.
Another neighbor, Andy Mayer, said he and others who live on Water Street came out to see what all the commotion was about.
"People said they heard a lot of bangs, noises, gunshots," Mayer recalled, "and that's what brought them all outside to see what's going on."
Police say Jack Dillon fired multiple shots at Carson. At least one stray bullet shattered the large plate glass in the couple's storm door. It was not known Friday how many bullets struck Carson.
No charges had been filed against Dillon pending the conclusion of the investigation by Elyria Police. Ohio law gives a homeowner the right to defend his life and property when someone has broken into his home.
WKYC-TV