Shiloh, IL (KSDK) - A Shiloh man turned the table on an intruder. The victim was able to hold the burglar at bay until police arrived.
Tom Martindale of Shiloh said he came home to quite the surprise on Wednesday afternoon around 3. Martindale lives on K&K Lane.
He noticed a chair had been propped near a door and a window was smashed.
He said he grabbed his semi automatic pistol from his vehicle, loaded it, and walked into his home. He noticed piles of his belongings were on the floor of his home so he immediately called police. While he was on the phone with police he came face to face with 25 year old Duane Armstrong who police say is homeless and was trying to steal from Martindale.
Police say Martindale detained Armstrong at gunpoint in his kitchen until police arrived and arrested him.
"They couldn't get there fast enough and fortunately it only took them a few seconds to get here but, it seemed like hours before they got here. I was honestly afraid for my life," said Martindale.
"He handled the firearm very safely, acted very professional, and once our officers arrived on scene turned control over to them and let us do our jobs so it was an outstanding job by a citizen," said Detective Sergeant Kyle Bade with the Shiloh Police Department.
"I've taken the training. I've taken the time to spend just in case this ever happened. My training paid off and it turned out very well. It could have been a whole lot worse," said Martindale.
Armstrong told police he broke into the home to use Martindale's shower but, police recovered some of Martindale's belongings. Martindale said Armstrong tried to take his daughters mp3 player, jewelry, and money.
Armstrong is charged with residential burglary. He's being held at the St. Clair County Jail. Police say this is not his first burglary offense.
KSDK