BOSTON -- A New Bedford, Mass., homeowner shot and killed a man who was allegedly trying to break into his home Thursday morning, police said.

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Jorge Quiroga Reports On Shooting

When officers arrived at the scene at about 4 a.m., they found a man lying on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds to his torso. A preliminary investigation showed that the man tried to break into Charles Chippa's home at 134 Ashley Blvd. Shot were fired, and the suspect made his way to the street.

"He confronted the homeowner, and shots were fired. At some point, the suspect ran, and he dropped into the street," New Bedford Police Department Lt. Richard Spirlet said.

"I heard four or five (gun shots), and then I looked out the window. I saw the guy lying in the middle of the street," neighbor Sean Cornell said.

Police believe that the man may have also been involved in a purse snatching earlier that morning. Some of the items from the purse were found in the man's possession.

The man has not been identified. The incident remained under investigation.

"The homeowner has a license for a firearm, so he is legally licensed to possess a firearm," Spirlet said.

Anyone with any information is urged to call police at (508) 991-6320.