02:09 PM PST on Saturday, November 20, 2004

By ANTONIA GIEDWOYN, kgw.com Staff

VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Vancouver police officers found a man fatally shot Friday morning shortly before 2 a.m. in the Fisher's Landing neighborhood.

KGW

Police crime tape surrounds a Vancouver home where the homeowner allegedly shot an armed intruder.

A homeowner heard unusual noises coming from somewhere in his residence and confronted and shot an intruder after discovering the man inside his garage, authorities said. Police said it appears the homeowner interrupted a burglary in progress.

"We believe the homeowner was armed and the suspect was armed," said officer Ron Stevens, with the Vancouver Police Department.

The intruder was identified as 34-year-old Ronnie Taylor, of Portland, according to police. He died of a single gunshot wound to the chest.

It was unclear how many shots were fired and police said they didn't know whether Taylor, who died at the scene, had fired his gun or whether he knew the homeowner.

According to the police department, while searching the residence in connection with the shooting, detectives found evidence of "other criminal activity." Detectives have not released any details about that activity.

It was also unclear how the intruder got into the garage and whether additional suspects were involved, but police did suggest he may have had accomplices.

KGW

Vancouver police detectives examine the garage for clues.

"There are believed to be outstanding persons of interest," said Sgt. Tim Huberty with the Vancouver Police Dept.

Police released few details regarding the circumstances of the shooting, which are currently under investigation.

The homeowner's girlfriend was in the house at the time of the incident. Either she or her boyfriend called 9-1-1 after the shooting, authorities said. Both were questioned by police.

The incident occurred in the 1800 block of SE 176th Place. Authorities said the homeowner was keeping at least one expensive motorcycle in his garage. It was unknown whether the suspect was attempting to steal the motorcycle.

Police said it was too early to determine whether the homeowner will face charges.

(KGW reporter Nicole Doll contributed to this story.)