Man confronts, shoots car burglary suspect near Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Richland County deputies say a man who came out of his house to investigate a loud noise ended up shooting and killing a man he said was breaking into his car.

Investigators said the shooting happened around 1 a.m. Tuesday in the suburban Lake Carolina neighborhood about 20 miles northeast of downtown Columbia.

Deputies say the man confronted the burglary suspect, and the two began to fight. Investigators say the suspect hit the man with an unspecified object, and the man got a gun and fired.

Authorities say the suspect was hit in the chest, tried to run and collapsed. He died a short time later at the hospital.

Deputies will consult with prosecutors to see if any charges should be filed.

The names of the people involved weren’t released.