An opportunistic home invader attempted to rob an older man in East Baton Rogue yesterday, and then argued with the homeowner when all he could produce of value was food stamps instead of cash. The intruder forced the resident to fight for his life, and the suspect was shot dead in the struggle.

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore said Wednesday it appears an older man was justified in shooting a home invader earlier in the morning.

The incident happened Wednesday around 1:30 a.m. in an area of Baton Rouge known as “the Bottom”. Law enforcement said 40-year-old Antony Gordon of Baton Rouge tried to force his way into a home where women and children also live.

“The gentleman [victim] was at his own home with his family and was confronted by another individual who was armed. There was a scuffle which eventually led to shots being fired and the person who came to the home was shot and killed,” said Moore.

Gordon lived on the other side of Baton Rouge, south of LSU. Law enforcement are trying to determine what set Gordon off as he had no violent criminal history in the parish.

The victims of the home invasion, who wished not to be identified, told WBRZ they were outside of their home when Gordon drove up and asked to use the restroom. They said Gordon then pulled a gun and demanded money.

The victims tried to offer Gordon food stamps but he wasn’t satisfied. A struggle ensued resulting in the victim getting his gun and killing Gordon in self-defense.

The suspect, Gordon, did not know the victims and did not have a criminal record. It is believed that he targeted the victims at random.

He should have quit while he was ahead.