A man trying to steal copper wire from a vacant home in Antioch was fatally shot by the homeowner on Saturday, Nov. 5.

According to Antioch Police Acting Captain Leonard Orman, a man who owns vacant properties in Antioch was making a routine check on one of his homes on the 200 block of West 17th Street. When the homeowner entered the building at about 2:45 p.m., he discovered a man apparently attempting to steal copper wire from the house.

“He has made a habit of going over to these properties on a regular basis, if not daily, and checking them,” Orman said. “The damage that he’s been suffering is so great.”

Police say that the man threatened the homeowner, who defended himself by shooting the man several times. The homeowner then called police.

The homeowner was not arrested. Since the Antioch Police Department believes the shooting was done in self-defense, it does not plan to file charges. But Orman said the district attorney’s office would make the final decision once the investigation is complete. The homeowner has been cooperative throughout the investigation, Sgt. Steve Bias wrote in a press release.

Orman said the homeowner’s properties have been hit by copper thieves multiple times, and he makes security checks on a daily basis. Though the police department doesn’t keep statistics on copper wire theft, Orman said it has been a problem in the area for the better part of a decade.

“He has been the victim of vandalism and theft on a regular basis at all of his properties,” Orman said of the homeowner. “Metal thefts in general have been predominant for the last six or seven years because the price has gotten so high.”