Man shoots at robber during break-in at Peppertree Apartments in Aspen Hill

ASPEN HILL, Md. ( DC News Now ) — A resident fired multiple gunshots during a burglary that took place early Thursday morning at the Peppertree Apartments in Aspen Hill.

“I left the night before around eight or nine o’clock to go buy auto parts and then came back today just to see my home invaded,” resident Matthew James told DC News Now.

At approximately 3 o’clock in the morning, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) officers responded to the report of a burglary at the 3200 block of Weeping Willow Ct. where James lives.

According to James and MCPD, two unidentified adult male suspects entered James’ apartment by breaking in through a window. James said they attempted to steal his computers and music equipment and were violent throughout their attempt.

“I asked them, ‘What’s happening? What’s happening? I’ll help you. Just tell me why you’re here,’” James said of his attempt to persuade the burglars from refraining from violence.

But according to James, the two burglars kept threatening him and acted with force against him.

One of the two burglars choked him, prompting James to shoot at him with his personal gun out of self defense, James explained. No serious injuries were reported.

“I’ve always had tough jobs and I work really hard for what I have. It was never my intention to try to kill, but what they did was not ok,” James said.

The bullet did not hit the robber, but it did hit some plumbing James shares with his neighbors. Residents in the area told DC News Now off camera they are distraught and are afraid that similar incidents may occur again.

According to MCPD, one of the burglars is in custody. The second, who fled the scene before authorities arrived, remained at large as of Thursday afternoon.

“You have to be alert at all times. Unfortunately, I don’t think this is the last time something like this will happen,” James said.

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