Cape Coral neighbors on guard after man says he was assaulted by home invaders

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WINK News

Neighbors in Cape Coral are in a state of shock after a loud burst of gunfire interrupted a quiet summer afternoon on their street Friday.

It happened along the 600 block of SE 17th Terrace around 5 p.m.

“I felt like I wanted to start crying,” said neighbor Toni Chmielewski.

Penni Herrick also heard the shots but didn’t realize what was happening until hours later.

“Like big bangs. I didn’t put two and two together. I just didn’t think about it,” Herrick said.

According to the owner of the home, he says he was assaulted by men attempting to steal his pain medication. That’s when he got his own gun and fired at the invaders, but they were able to get away.

Cape Coral Police say they’re investigating the scene as a “shots fired” call. They say the homeowner was taken from the house to the hospital after the incident. He has since been released.

“I’m uncomfortable. I’m only right down the street here. So it kind of makes me a little nervous,” Herrick said.

Neighbors say they want to know more about what exactly happened and plan to keep their guards up until then.

“Now I’m going to be a little bit more on the lookout,” Herrick said.

At this time, they say no one is in custody in connection with what happened at the house.

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