Florida Self-Defense: Tampa police investigate shooting death of intruder in Tampa Heights :: 03/16/2016

TAMPA — A man was shot and killed after he broke into a Tampa Heights home on Tuesday afternoon, police said.

Christopher Solomon, 40, heard what sounded like someone trying to break into the back of his mother's home at 2110 N Central Ave. about 12:45 p.m., according to Tampa police.

Solomon grabbed his gun, went downstairs and found a man in the kitchen. He told officers he was "in fear for his life," and then fired multiple gunshots at the intruder, according to police.

The intruder was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was not released Tuesday by police, who said they were trying to find his next of kin. The police released no other details about the incident.

"It does make you want to be prepared," said Chris Mercer, a friend of Solomon's. "I'm in awe."

Solomon's mother, Eleanor Solomon, owns the home and lives there with him, neighbors said. The Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office will review the shooting and determine whether Christopher Solomon acted in self-defense.

Mercer, 39, said Solomon has a concealed-carry permit. Now Mercer is thinking of getting one.

"I just want to know he's okay mentally," said Mercer, who stopped by the scene of the shooting when he saw the police cars there.

Anita Chatman, who lives across the street from the Solomons, heard the gunshots and had her daughter call 911.

Police tape stretched around the corner of the house on N Central Avenue for several hours as investigators examined the scene of the shooting. Neighbors looked on, surprised.

Neighbor John Stroncheck, 55, described the Solomons as kind people. He referred to Eleanor Solomon as "Mrs. Solomon" and said she was a retired music teacher. He remembered the day last year when she made him lunch. He sang Stevie Wonder tunes while she played the piano.

He was relieved that the woman he described as a "sweet soul" and her son were safe. He said that after an attempted robbery a few years ago, police told the Solomons to remove the drapes so they could see outside the home's windows. "It shows the power of having a weapon," Stroncheck said.

Chatman said she was letting Eleanor Solomon stay in her house while the son was being interviewed by detectives. Eleanor Solomon came outside briefly to watch the body being removed from her home. Chatman said Eleanor Solomon was shaken up and did not want to speak to a reporter.

Chatman was thankful her neighbors were safe. But she called it a tragedy nonetheless.

"That's somebody's son," Chatman said. "It's sad. A person's life is gone."

http://web.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/police-investigating-shooting-death-in-tampa-heights/2269430