Intruder killed by north Phoenix homeowner had prior history of thefts

PHOENIX - Police have identified the man who was shot to death while trying to break into a north Phoenix home as 35-year-old Jason Wilson.

Police said he did not live in the area, but may have been staying with a friend.

Police said Wilson was spotted trying to break into cars and homes in the neighborhood near 28th Avenue and Acoma early Tuesday morning.

Authorities said Wilson entered one home through a bedroom window belonging to two young children when their father tried to yell at him to leave. When he didn't, the homeowner shot him to death.

Police said Wilson had a prior police record for burglary, theft, forgery and fraud.

"It feels like I was in that type of situation," said Dave Waters, who lives down the street. Waters showed ABC15 surveillance video from three weeks ago when two men were attempting to break into homes and cars in an unrelated incident.  

"He came up to my son's pick-up and I ran out," said Waters. Waters said he did not bring his gun with him when he chased the man away.

Waters said that there appears to be more crimes like this occurring in his neighborhood and fears these types of incidents can easily escalate.

He is trying to work with neighbors and police to create a Neighborhood Watch.

"I pray for the family involved in that shooting, " he said. "It's tough to take a life."