77-year-old Oakland homeowner arrested after fatally shooting burglary suspect

An elderly California homeowner was arrested on Tuesday after fatally shooting a suspected robber who tried to break into his Oakland home with two other thieves on Monday night.

The 77-year-old homeowner was taken into custody on suspicion of murder charges, police said. Official charges have not yet been filed despite the homeowner's arrest. Officials are trying to determine if the shooting was justified self-defense or not.

Police said the incident occurred around 6 pm when three suspects - two men and one woman - pulled up to the man's home in a stolen Infiniti Q40. Upon arrival, police officers found the homeowner pointing a stolen Colt Python revolver at the female suspect. He allegedly confessed to police that he had just shot the female suspect's friend, court documents show.

The third suspect was located at the scene in possession of a replica gun. He was arrested on suspicion of burglary, police said.

A witness told authorities that one of the male suspects approached the home with a crowbar and they heard a gunshot shortly after, according to the New York Post. Firefighters and paramedics attempted to provide life-saving care to the wounded suspect, but he died at the scene.

A neighbor also reportedly witnessed hearing two gunshots on Monday night and then looked to see the suspect stumble from the home and fall to the ground. Additionally, witnesses said they saw the homeowner emerge from his house with a weapon.

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office is investigating this incident. Prosecutors have been ordered to decide by Thursday whether or not to bring charges against the homeowner.