When they arrived they found one of the suspects had been shot by the resident, Sgt. Jarred Johnson --a member of the U.S. Air Force-- during the burglary.
Police tell Eyewitness News two suspects broke into an apartment and were in the process of stealing several of Johnson's belongings, when he returned home.
Authorities say Johnson heard a commotion upstairs, grabbed a pistol and confronted the two men burglarizing his apartment.
During the confrontation, Johnson shot one of the suspects, 23-year-old Christopher Pittman, in the lower leg. Pittman ran out of the apartment, but Johnson chased him down and held him till police arrived.The second suspect fled the scene.
A neighbor and Fort Bragg solider, Matthew Morris, heard the commotion, went outside and helped Johnson treat Pittman's wound. His injury was not life threatening and he was transported to Cape Fear Valley Hospital where he underwent surgery.
"I have a gun; I hope to never use it. But I definitely would if somebody was in the house," Morris said.
"Personally, I am not worried," apartment resident Jamel Triplett said. "I protect myself. I'm glad Sgt. Johnson protected himself as well and I encourage anybody else to protect themselves as well."
Police say the shooting was justified, Johnson will not face charges.
Fayetteville Police captured the second suspect, 25-year-old Joseph Odom, a few blocks away from the scene.
Pittman and Odom will be charged with felony breaking and entering and felony larceny.
