SYDNEY, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- An Australian man shot an intruder with a bow and arrow as he was trying to steal his car from his house, but the intruder got away and the man may face charges.
A 68-year-old man who was home with his wife prevented the theft of his car, but not of a large amount of cash and a purse, by shooting a would-be robber in the buttocks with a bow and arrow. In addition to investigating the robbery, police also say they must investigate the homeowner because of Australia's strict laws against assault -- even an intruder in your house.
The intruder broke into the man's house taking the items and, as the robber was getting into his Nissan X-Trail, the homeowner went into the garage, confronting him. The robber got the car out of the garage but hit a fence.
As the robber was running down the street, the homeowner shot the man in the buttocks with a bow and arrow. The robber managed to get to a parked car and, somehow, drive it away.
"At this point in time we have been given information by the homeowner, police have attempted to speak to him," said Detective Inspector Dean Johnstone. "He's maintained his right to silence, this is a matter we'll investigate."
While bows and arrows are not restricted weapons in Australia, and the man is part of an archery club, it is possible the man could be charged for shooting the intruder to his home, Johnstone said.