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Police: 11-year-old shoots home intruder during burglary attempt

TALLADEGA, Ala. — A would-be burglar got a surprise Wednesday when an 11-year-old boy heard him breaking into his home in Talladega, Alabama, and armed himself with a handgun.

He fired 12 shots at the intruder, one of which connected with the suspect's leg, according to WVTM. The suspect was expected to recover, The Anniston Star reported.

Talladega police did not identify the suspect or the victims. However, WVTM tracked down the 11-year-old boy, who was identified as Chris Gaither.

“He told me that he was going to kill me,” Chris told the TV station. “When I pulled the gun, I guess he didn't think it was a real gun because he kept on walking.”

Chris opened fire as the intruder walked out of the Gaither home carrying a hamper. He fired 12 shots at the would-be burglar, but only the last bullet hit the suspect, according to WVTM.

“I shot through the hamper he was carrying,” Chris said. “It was a full metal jacket bullet. It went straight through the back of his leg. He started crying like a little baby.”

Chris' mother told WVTM the Gaither family did not know the suspect, although she said he had burglarized them before.

Talladega police continued to investigate the case Friday.