Police Say Homeowner Suspected of Shooting Two Firefighters During 'Welfare Check' Thought They Were Breaking in, 'Took Action to Defend Himself

The man who police in Maryland say shot two firefighters who were conducting a "welfare check" over the weekend thought someone was trying to break into his house, so he "he took action to defend himself," a spokesman for the Prince George's County Fire Department said. "His story has remained consistent in that he thought someone was breaking into his house," Mark Brady told ABC News on Sunday.

The suspected shooter's name was not disclosed. He was released from custody since no charges were filed. An investigation is ongoing.

PGFD FF/Medic Ulmschneiders duty station at Landover Hills has black bunting affixed to front and his locker inside pic.twitter.com/CqIrINDffG

— Mark Brady (@PGFDPIO) April 16, 2016

Prince George's County firefighter John Ulmschneider, 39, died in the incident on Friday. Ulmschneider was a 13-year veteran who had a wife and 2-year-old daughter.

Fallen FF/paramedic John Ulmschneider. "It's a very difficult time. It's a tragedy,"-acting union Pres Grant Walker pic.twitter.com/f08nbEzK3v

— Richard Reeve (@abc7Richard)

April 16, 2016

Another firefighter, 19-year-old Kevin Swain, was injured, but "continues to improve," according to PGCFD Chief Marc Bashoor.

UPDATE Injured PGFD FF Kevin Swain improving, out of ICU. He was shot 4 times. https://t.co/A58ljlTaAT pic.twitter.com/Fi0szW8q7Y

— Darcy Spencer (@darcyspencer) April 17, 2016

The homeowner's brother had contacted authorities Friday because the homeowner wasn't answering the phone or the door. He said his brother had been having problems with his blood sugar and recently blacked out, ABC News reported.

(H/T: Daily Mail)

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