HENRY CLAY TOWNSHIP, PA — A homeowner in Fayette County acted in self-defense when he shot an intruder during a robbery attempt late Saturday night, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Mae West Road in Henry Clay Township. Police responded to a call about a burglary in progress and found the suspect, identified as 62-year-old David Luczak of Cleveland, had been shot twice in the face by the homeowner.
Authorities reported that Luczak had entered the home and walked through multiple rooms before eventually exiting. The homeowner, who had retrieved a firearm, confronted Luczak on the driveway as he attempted to re-enter the residence. Despite the homeowner’s commands, Luczak refused to leave, prompting the homeowner to fire multiple shots, hitting Luczak twice.
Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele praised the homeowner’s actions, stating, “Thank God the homeowner was armed; this could have been a lot worse.” He confirmed that the homeowner acted within his rights and will not face any charges, adding, “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and take appropriate action to protect their house, protecting their castle.”
Luczak, who has a criminal history that includes charges for a 2013 homicide, was treated on the scene by police until EMS arrived. He was then flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital, where he was last reported in stable condition. The police are investigating whether Luczak was armed during the incident and are also considering the possibility of a mental health issue, given conflicting information received from his family.
Luczak will be charged with burglary and criminal trespass following the investigation, which is being conducted by the Uniontown State Police Criminal Investigation Unit in conjunction with the Fayette County District Attorney’s Office.
This incident highlights the critical importance of being armed and prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones. When facing an intruder, issuing clear commands can help de-escalate the situation, but it’s essential to be ready to take decisive action if your safety is at risk. The right to defend yourself is paramount, and having the means to do so effectively can make all the difference in a life-threatening situation. Being armed and prepared ensures that you have the ability to protect yourself and those you care about when every second counts.
