A Pennsylvania boy likely acted in self-defense and shot and killed his father during an alleged armed assault, saving the lives of his family, authorities said.
“Based on the preliminary investigation… the boy's actions were justified and could have prevented death or serious injury to those who remained inside the home. Given the tragic nature of this incident, we would like to thank the family at this difficult time. We ask for your respect and privacy,” Northumberland County District Attorney Michael O'Donnell said in a press release.
Police say violence erupted in Lower Mahanoy Township on Jan. 7, when Tracy Adams, 47, got into a verbal and physical altercation with his wife and their young daughter. According to a police report reviewed by FOX News Digital. The wife and the girl reportedly fled their home to the home of Adams' stepdaughter, Brandi Hawk, 31.
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A person is holding a handgun. (JC/TRA/Reuters)
Police said Adams followed Hauck's wife and daughter to Hauck's home and demanded she open the front door. He brandished a firearm outside the home, but Hauck refused him entry.
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Authorities say the boy shot and killed his father in self-defense at their home in Lower Mahanoy, Pennsylvania. (Google Maps)
According to the police report, Adams shot Hauck through the front door, killing him. Police said the man then broke into the house and announced he intended to kill everyone inside, including his wife and the boy's son and daughter.
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Authorities say the unidentified boy recovered a firearm from the home and protected his sister and mother from Adams. The boy then fired at his father, who had advanced towards his family, killing him. Police have not released the boy's age.
Pennsylvania State Police Vehicle (Pennsylvania State Police)
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Authorities found Adams dead when they arrived at his home.
The police report noted that prosecutors responded to the scene and declined to file criminal charges because an investigation determined the boy acted in self-defense and to protect the lives of others.
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“We would like to express our deepest condolences to those affected by this tragic event,” the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
