Monticello homeowner justified in shooting intruder, who was armed and masked

Authorities said Thursday that a man was wearing a mask and was armed when he broke into his former home in Monticello last week and was fatally shot by the homeowner. Authorities also said it appears that the homeowner was justified in shooting the intruder, 30 year old Patrick O’Brine, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities previously reported that 44 year old Scotty Harden, called 911 at around 1:45 a.m. on January 11th to report a break-in in progress at his residence in Monticello. As police responded to the residence, Harden armed himself with a firearm. During the course of the break-in, O’Brine, who was masked and armed, gained entry to the home by breaking out a basement window. Harden was home at the time with his 10-year-old son. Upon seeing the armed intruder emerge from the basement, Harden discharged his firearm three times, and the intruder was shot twice and died at the scene. Harden and his son were not injured.