Homeowner shoots man who climbed into house

STAFF REPORTS

A suspected burglar is in the hospital and law agencies are investigating an early morning shooting that could be labeled as part of the Colorado "Make My Day" law.

The shooting occurred about 4 a.m. Wednesday in southeastern Weld County in the Meadow Dale Subdivision near County Road 5 and Colo. 119, in rural Longmont. Weld County sheriff's spokeswoman Vicki Harbert said a homeowner in the subdivision shot a man after he'd climbed into the house through a window off the back porch.

The homeowner was not identified, but Harbert said the alleged intruder, Nathen Weathers, 19, who lived in the same subdivision, was shot in the arm with a 9mm handgun.

Longmont United Hospital officials said Wednesday Weathers was in critical condition in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

The "Make My Day" law applies to homeowners or residents who have the right to defend themselves if they feel threatened by an intruder. The case has been turned over to the Weld District Attorney's Office to determine if the resident of the home will be protected from prosecution by the law.