Police: Homeowner Shot, Beat Would-Be Burglar

INDIANAPOLIS -- A man shot and beat someone who was trying to break into his home on Indianapolis' east side early Thursday morning, police said.

Police said Donald Robertson, 53, was asleep just after midnight when he was awakened by the sound of breaking glass.

Robertson grabbed a shotgun and went outside, where he found Chester Burkett, 43, breaking one of the home's windows, police said.

Authorities said the two men struggled with each other, and Robertson fired his shotgun. Police said Robertson told them he wasn't sure if he'd hit Burkett, so he struck the would-be burglar several times with the butt of the shotgun.

Investigators said Robertson fired as many as two additional shots as Burkett ran to another home.

Burkett was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, residential entry and attempted theft. He was taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital with a shotgun wound to his thigh and several cuts on his head, police said.

Robertson was treated at the scene and released.