An unsettling incident unfolded in Atlanta when a man found himself under arrest after reportedly shooting a minor who was attempting to break into his vehicle. The situation raises complex questions about self-defense and the legal repercussions of taking the law into one’s own hands.

Authorities relayed details of the incident to FOX 5 Atlanta, explaining that police were dispatched to Fairburn Mays, a location about 20 miles from downtown Atlanta, in the early hours of the morning, just before 3 a.m. The call reported a shooting involving a young individual.

Upon their arrival, officers from the Atlanta Police Department encountered a boy, not yet 18 years old, suffering from a gunshot wound to his foot. The young man confessed to being shot during an attempted break-in of a vehicle, providing crucial context to the unfolding narrative.

Following the incident, the injured boy received medical attention at a local children’s hospital, where he is anticipated to make a full recovery. This case continues to draw attention as it highlights the delicate balance between protecting one’s property and the legal implications of using firearms in such scenarios.

He was taken to a children’s hospital and is expected to survive.

Yoshay Carter, 51, who owns the car, told authorities the shooting happened when he confronted the boy, the outlet reported.

Carter was later arrested and charged with aggravated assault, according to police.

He was booked into the Fulton County Jail.

Under Georgia law, there is a statute that covers “use of force in defense of property other than a habitation.”

A person is justified in threatening or using force when he reasonably believes it’s necessary to prevent or stop criminal interference with property he lawfully possesses, according to the statute.

However, the use of force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm is not justified to protect property, unless the person using the force reasonably believes such force is necessary to prevent a “forcible felony,” according to Georgia law.

Georgia also has a “no duty to retreat” statute, which says those using force as self-defense, defense of habitation or defense of property do not need to retreat.

Police did not confirm if self-defense laws apply in Friday’s case, according to the report.