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Athens Today
By the People, for the People
Homeowner Shoots Armed Intruder During Limestone County Home Invasion
Suspect arrested after breaking into home and confronting resident with rifle
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
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A homeowner in Limestone County, Alabama shot and subdued an armed intruder who broke into the resident's home and confronted them with a rifle. The suspect, Tanner Stewart Phillips, was wearing a ski mask and bulletproof vest and was also armed with a pistol when he allegedly broke into the victim's car before chasing the homeowner into the house. The resident shot Phillips multiple times, causing non-life-threatening injuries, before the suspect fled the scene. Phillips was later arrested and charged with several felonies.
Why it matters
Home invasions and armed burglaries are serious threats to public safety, and this incident highlights the risks homeowners can face when confronted by violent intruders. The fact that the suspect was wearing protective gear and armed with multiple firearms suggests a high level of planning and potential for violence, making the homeowner's actions to defend their property and safety potentially justified under Alabama's self-defense laws.
The details
According to the Limestone County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded around midnight on Wednesday to a report of a home invasion with shots fired. By the time they arrived, the suspect had fled the scene, but authorities later learned that a man with multiple gunshot wounds had shown up at a nearby hospital. The suspect was identified as Tanner Stewart Phillips, of Hartselle, who allegedly broke into a car at the victim's home before confronting the homeowner with a rifle. The resident then shot Phillips multiple times, causing non-life-threatening injuries, before the suspect was able to flee.
- The incident occurred around midnight on Wednesday, February 14, 2026.
- Phillips later showed up at Decatur-Morgan Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds.
The players
Tanner Stewart Phillips
A 28-year-old man from Hartselle, Alabama who was arrested and charged with Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Vehicle, First-degree robbery, and Burglary in the first degree after allegedly breaking into a home in Limestone County and confronting the resident with a rifle.
Limestone County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that responded to the home invasion call and is investigating the incident.
What they’re saying
“Home invasions and armed burglaries are serious threats to public safety, and this incident highlights the risks homeowners can face when confronted by violent intruders.”
— Limestone County Sheriff's Office, Statement (rocketcitynow.com)
What’s next
Phillips is being held at the Limestone County Jail, and no bond has been set yet. The investigation into the home invasion is ongoing.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of home security and the potential need for lawful self-defense when faced with a violent home invasion. It also highlights the risks posed by armed and determined intruders who may be willing to use force to commit their crimes.
