Stopping a home invasion with a 9mm

I woke up to my wife screaming then my burglar alarm going off. I’m a gun owner, a Conceal Carry permit holder, and I always have a weapon on me. Our bedroom door was closed and I told my wife to lock it and call 911. When she was done I stepped out of our bedroom into the hallway and I immediately heard a man’s voice. <br><br>The man then came into view and I immediately drew my firearm. I yelled “don’t move! Don’t take another step!” And the man froze. I took a moment to assess the situation. My daughter was sleeping in her room and my son was sleeping in his room so I didn’t know if this person was armed, or dangerous, or if he had an accomplice. Our front door was wide open, no screens. The guy was frozen, then he put his hands up. I told him to get on his knees. He hesitated for a second then he did. I walked up to him and told him to put his hands behind his back and I cuffed him with a pair of handcuffs I keep with my gun. <br><br>I walked him outside and put him on the ground until the police arrived. I also made sure he didn’t have any weapons on him.<br><br>The police showed up and took him away. They came back to my house, asked me a few questions, took pictures of the broken window and open front door, before leaving. I gave them the body cam footage I recorded with my phone while I had the guy at gun point. <br><br>The intruder didn’t have any weapons on him. He also didn’t have any ID on him. I’m currently waiting for the police to call me back so I can come down to the station and press charges. <br><br>I’ve never had to draw my gun on anyone before. I found it to be a very surreal experience. I’m glad I’m okay. I’m glad my family is okay. I’m glad my gun is okay. And I’m glad I had my gun. <br><br>Edit: The intruder was charged with Burglary of Habitation with Intent to commit Assault. The charge carries a minimum 5 years in prison but can carry up to a life sentence. <br><br>I’d like to address a few things <br><br>1. People have been asking me why I didn’t shoot him. Well, I’m not a former marine or a former cop, I’m just a gun owner with a conceal carry permit. I do not have the training to know when to shoot. But what I do know is when you discharge a weapon, especially in a home, there is a very high chance the bullet will go through the wall and can be in a spot where one of my kids are sleeping. So I’m glad I was able to keep everyone safe. And I’m also glad I didn’t end the intruders life. <br><br>2. People have been commenting that I shouldn’t have walked the guy out and instead should’ve shot him. I don’t think anyone should be arguing for the right to kill. The only time I believe that you should take someones life is when your own life is in jeopardy. If I would’ve shot the guy, I would’ve been in a lot more trouble than if I had just detained him. Not to mention my kids, and my wife, would’ve had to see a man die. <br><br>3. Some people have been saying it was staged. I don’t know how I can prove it. I showed the police the footage and the report I filed with them. I’m not arguing. <br><br>4. People have been commenting that I should’ve had my gun on me and not next to my bed. I always carry my gun. Always. But when I’m sleeping, I don’t have it on me. I probably should, but it’s just not something I’m in the habit of doing. <br><br>5. A few people have commented that I’m a “snowflake” who is scared of a little gun fire. I’m not scared of a little gun fire. I’m scared of the implications that come with it. I’m scared that if I were to kill someone, even an intruder, that I would ruin my own life. <br><br>6. Some people have been commenting that I should’ve just shot him because if I were to hit him, non-lethally, that I would still be in trouble. I understand this is how it is in some places but this is how it is where I’m at. <br><br>7. A few people have commented that I should’ve shot him because he was an intruder. Like I said before, I don’t believe you should kill someone unless your life is in jeopardy. If I would’ve shot him and he was unarmed then I would’ve been in a lot of trouble. And I’m also glad I didn’t end his life. <br><br>Thank you for all your support. This has been a crazy day!