DOWNEY — Authorities have identified the suspected intruder who was killed by a homeowner during an apparent home invasion early Friday morning in this southern Bannock County town.
Joseph Lloyd, 34, of Pocatello, was fatally shot by the homeowner around 4 a.m. Friday while forcing his way through the door of the residence on Barnes Lane off Highway 40 just west of Downey city limits, according to the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said no charges are pending against the man who killed Lloyd because all indications are that the man opened fire in defense of himself and other family members who were at home at the time.
Lloyd was struck by the gunfire and died at the scene — prior to the arrival of responding sheriff’s deputies.
The Sheriff’s Office said an autopsy is being performed on Lloyd to determine how many times he was shot.
Authorities said based on their findings thus far in the investigation all indications are that Lloyd was invading the home when he was killed.
The Sheriff’s Office is not yet commenting on what type of gun was used to kill Lloyd or whether Lloyd was armed as well.
Lloyd has a criminal record and was released from the Bannock County Jail about two weeks ago after being arrested on a felony drug charge, authorities said.
The name of the man who killed Lloyd is not going to be released, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The Sheriff’s Office does want to make it clear that it appears Lloyd was acting alone and “there is no evidence indicating any further threat” to public safety as a result of the apparent home invasion.