Elizabeth Township Man Opens Fire On Intruder

ELIZABETH TWP. (KDKA) -- An 84-year-old Korean War veteran opened fire on an intruder at his home Tuesday morning.

It happened in Elizabeth Township, and this evening the intruder is in jail. In the meantime, the home owner is being congratulated for his reaction.

Fred Ricciuti and his wife were asleep when Fred heard a noise in his house. He said he picked up his gun, which was next to his bed, and yelled "hold on" to the intruder.

The person, later identified as Raymond Hiles, quickly turned around and ran around the corner to the door. Ricciuti fired a shot that grazed Hiles in the neck.

Hiles hopped in a car to escape, but police were already in the area and made an arrest.

The Ricciutti's say they've known Hiles for a while.

"I understand he fell into some hard times, doing desperate things," Ricciutti said. "It's unfortunate."

Fred said he was simply defending his home and family and was glad he didn't kill Hiles. Hiles had his neck bandaged and is being held in Allegheny County Jail.

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