Sheriff: Man shot trying to break into Richland County home

A Richland County homeowner shot and wounded a man allegedly trying to break into his home Saturday afternoon.

Burglary suspect, Eric Smith, was shot around 2 p.m. at 1234 Universal Drive in southeast Richland County, sheriff’s department spokesman Curtis Wilson said.

The homeowner told investigators that he got his gun and fired shots after the suspect, who had failed to get in the front door, went around to the rear door and tried to gain entrance. Smith was hit in the lower body and taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Wilson said.

Smith, 24, will be charged with burglary first degree when he is released from the hospital, Wilson said.

This story was originally published December 19, 2015 at 6:50 PM with the headline "Sheriff: Man shot trying to break into Richland County home."