DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- A father protecting his family during a holdup shot and killed a robber late Thursday night.

Ronald Johnson and his family had just returned home from a school recital. After parking in their driveway the family was walking up the front walk at their house on Stardust Circle when three robbers stopped them.

VIDEO: Father Fights Back; Kills Robber

Police said one of the men pulled a gun and ordered the family to "Give it up."

During the confrontation Johnson pulled his own gun and opened fire, killing one of the robbers. The other men ran off.

Police said Johnson was within his rights, defending his family and will not face charges for the shooting.

"It was a home invasion, but this time the invasion was on the other foot," said one neighbor.

The neighbor says the wounded man died in the family's yard and the other two men fled on foot.

That same neighbor told police that she heard her dog attack one of the robbers as he ran through her backyard.

Police have not released the names of anyone involved.

Officers continued searching for the surviving robbers.