Police: Homeowner shoots, kills burglar carrying machete

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - The DeKalb County homeowner who police said was forced to shoot his machete-wielding neighbor declined to comment on camera as he cleaned up the mess of broken glass near front door Thursday afternoon. DeKalb County does not plan to file charges against the homeowner. Still, his neighbors on Northlake Trail told FOX 5 News they feel awful for him.

"He's the really nice guy that you see out walking his dog--speaks to everyone, just a friendly guy. Everyone is concerned for him and his for his family as far as the emotional toll this must be taking on them," said neighbor Brad Castlen.

"There was never any noise or any kind of instances between the two of them or anyone here, so this is really a shocking to wake up to," Castlen added.

A neighbor who did not want to show his face on camera described what happened Thursday morning around 5:30 when the man with the machete ambushed his neighbor.

"He was yelling and screaming at him with the machete and it was really menacing. My neighbor kept telling him, 'I've gotta gun, I've gotta gun, I'll shoot you.' Then the man broke in and he [the homeowner] shot him. He was trying to protect his life," said the neighbor.

Laurie Gentry and her husband knew the intruder with the machete, but told FOX 5 News she has no idea what could have sparked such a violent encounter.

"I don't know the ins and outs of his life. All I can tell you that he was a good person and it's hard to believe he is gone. He liked his neighbors--even described them as good people, so I just can't imagine why this happened," said Gentry.

DeKalb County Police told FOX 5 News investigators have a lot to sort through in this case, but have no reason to believe the homeowner fired for any reason other than self-defense. Authorities have not released the name of either man involved.