Home invasion suspect shot, wounded by homeowner in Racine

RACINE (WITI) -- Racine police are investigating a home invasion and robbery attempt that occurred near 17th and Victory Ave. early Tuesday morning, October 8th. FOX6 News has learned the suspect and homeowner are neighbors.

Officers responded to the neighborhood just before 2 a.m. Tuesday in reference to someone being shot. At about the same time, dispatch received a call for a report of a home invasion -- and the victim reported he fired shots at the suspect.

Racine police say an armed intruder walked into the home, and a resident grabbed a shotgun and fired.

"I think what he did was right. He's protecting himself," the homeowner's sister, Katie Lynn Van Remmen said.

Van Remmen says her brother recently received a huge sum of money as a settlement for an incident at work, and because of it, may have been a target.

Officers discovered a 33-year-old Racine man with serious but non-life threatening injuries on Victory Ave. That man was taken to Wheaton Franciscan Health Center for treatment -- and later taken to Froedtert Hospital.

Police say this incident is not believed to be a random act, but rather a targeted robbery attempt.

FOX6 News has learned the suspect lives next door to the homeowner. After the incident, he reportedly limped home, and his wife called 911.

Neighbors say the man hasn't lived in the area long. Sources say he was released from jail in May, acquitted in the 2007 drive-by murder of 12-year-old Marize Jones.

Police investigate Racine home invasion

Racine police are interested in any additional information that you may have about this crime. You are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756.

You may also contact Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.