Intruder Fatally Shot by Homeowner Identified

David Fletcher (Photo Credit: Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office)

CLEVELAND — A Cleveland man, sleeping on his couch, woke up to sounds of someone breaking into his back door.

He told police he grabbed a handgun and when he went to check it out, he found himself face to face with an intruder inside his house holding a knife. He fired one shot. The intruder ran through the back door and made it to the driveway where he collapsed and died.

Cleveland Police were called to the scene around 7:30 Wednesday morning, 5700 block of Portage Avenue.

Cleveland Police Captain Bob Romoga says, “Further investigation reveals the suspect kicked in the first floor door and was attempting to kick-in a second door when confronted by the homeowner. He was sleeping on the couch was when was forced up by the noise. He saw a knife, produced a handgun and shot the victim at least one time.”

The intruder has been identifed as 43-year-old David Fletcher.

No charges have been filed against the homeowner. Cleveland Police are investigating.