COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – A man was shot and killed while trying to break into a home in Collinsville Tuesday night, according to police.

Around 6 p.m. in the 500 block of St. Louis Rd., officers responded to the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, police found 31-year-old Jonathan Gagen dead.

Police say Gagen attempted to break into the house when the homeowner opened fire.

Residents said the news was shocking.

“It is a real tragedy out here. People can’t be safe inside their homes, let alone be on the street, you know, and going about their daily business. It’s just a horrible situation,” Dwayne Tate, neighbor, said.

Gagen did not know the homeowners, according to investigators. He stepped onto the front porch and refused to leave. Officials say the resident feared for his safety and grabbed his firearm.

The suspect opened the door after telling the homeowner he would have to shoot him. The resident then struck Gagen in the chest.

“Very scary knowing that it’s that close to home,” Chris Meeks, neighbor, said. “You never know what you’re going to walk into when that kind of stuff is happening.”

It remains unclear what led Gagen to the residence. Police have turned the case over to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office due to a resident of the home being employed with the Collinsville Police Department.