Police: Woman shot homeless intruder after finding him asleep in bedroom

A Wilmington woman shot a homeless man Tuesday morning after finding him asleep in a bedroom of her house, according to the Delaware State Police.

Investigators said the 50-year-old homeowner and her son, who are in the process of renovating the residence on the 1900 block of West Newport Pike, came home shortly before 6 a.m. and noticed signs of a possible break-in.

While checking the property's interior, they found a man, later identified as 21-year-old Gregory Alexander, asleep in a bedroom, according to police. The two victims became involved in a physical fight with the intruder.

During the altercation, the homeowner took out a handgun and fired one shot, striking Alexander in the buttocks, police said.

Alexander allegedly fled but was arrested a short time later without incident. He was taken to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Alexander will be arraigned on charges of criminal trespass and offensive touching after he is released, according to investigators.

Police said both the homeowner and her son suffered minor injuries during the fight, but both refused medical treatment.

The homeowner legally owned and possessed the handgun allegedly used to shoot Alexander, authorities said.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing and will be turned over to the state Attorney General's Office for review.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Delaware State Police at 302-365-8434, or to contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.