A resident in northwest Missouri is being credited for warning off a potential thief by discharging several rounds from a shotgun according to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office.

The office said Tuesday around 9 p.m. the Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to a call of attempted theft of one or more motor vehicles, one of which a Polaris Ranger from private property in Chula.

“Investigation shows adult while male suspect was trespassing on private property and allegedly may have attempted to steal a pickup as the foot tracks in the snow show the person at or near the pickup,” Sheriff Steve Cox said. “The suspect also allegedly attempted to steal an ATV and even started the vehicle.”

Cox said that at some point the property owner realized he was about to become a victim of vehicle theft and while armed with a shotgun subsequently discharged 2 rounds in a safe direction while warning the suspect.

“Investigation shows the property owner was careful and prudent with the firearm,” Cox said. “The suspect then fled on foot and deputies tracked the person to a business east of Chula where it was learned a male had arrived in the parking lot and was picked up by unknown person and left the area.”

LCSO and MSHP are following up on information and said the same suspect may have been involved in a call of shots fired in a nearby county not long after this incident.

“Fortunately no one was injured and no actual property stolen from the Chula residence,” Cox said.

The investigation continues.