A 72-year-old Dallas man fatally shot a burglar, then went back to sleep, police say – USA TODAY, USA Today

A 72 – year-old Dallas man fatally shot asuspected burglaroutside his home, authorities said, and went back to sleep before calling police.

James Michael Meyer reported a home invasion after finding the man’s body early Thursday, according to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by theThe Dallas Morning News.

His wife also contacted a lawyer to ask for advice before he called 911, the affidavit said. Authorities have charged Meyer withmurder.

Meyer told police he saw someone trying to break into his storage shed around 5 a.m. after hearing a noise outside. He then grabbed his gun, went out and yelled that he’d shoot if the person came closer, according to the affidavit.

The person took several steps toward him, Meyer told investigators, so he fired. As the burglar dropped his pickax and ran toward a nearby park, Meyer fired another shot “into the night” in the direction of the park. Investigators wrote the suspected burglar posed no threat of serious bodily injury once he ran off, based on Meyer’s account.

Allegedly not knowing whether he shot anyone, Myer told police hewent back to bed. He got up around 7 a.m. and told police he thought he saw a “black bag” in the park. It turned out to be the man’s body, according to the affidavit.

Meyer then told a 911 dispatcher he was the victim of a crime and that medical help was needed, the affidavit said.

Online jail records had no information about an attorney to speak for Meyer, who was no longer in custody Sunday. His bond was set at $ 150, 000 Friday, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Contributing: The Associated Press

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