By Associated Press

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut man who allegedly hired a group of acquaintances to stage a fake home invasion so he could “save” his family was hospitalized after being shot during the botched plan, authorities said Tuesday.

The Newtown Police Department said the 42-year-old homeowner orchestrated the incident late Sunday night at his residence, telling investigators he wanted to “create a scenario” in which he could act heroically in front of his wife and children.

According to a preliminary report, the man recruited three individuals to enter the home wearing masks and simulate a break-in. The plan called for the intruders to confront the family while the homeowner intervened.

Instead, the situation quickly escalated.

“One of the participants discharged a firearm during the encounter, striking the homeowner in the shoulder,” the department said in a statement. “What was intended to be a staged event became a dangerous and uncontrolled situation.”

The man was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No other family members were harmed.

Investigators said the individuals hired to carry out the plan initially cooperated but panicked when the homeowner confronted them more aggressively than expected.

“There appears to have been a significant breakdown in communication,” a law enforcement official familiar with the case said. “At least one of the participants believed the threat level had become real.”

Authorities are reviewing potential charges against all involved, including reckless endangerment, conspiracy and weapons violations. Police have not indicated whether the homeowner disclosed the plan to his family in advance.

Neighbors reported hearing shouting and a single gunshot shortly before officers arrived.

“It was terrifying,” said one resident. “We thought it was an actual home invasion.”

Officials said the investigation is ongoing and urged residents not to attempt similar staged scenarios.

“Situations involving firearms are inherently unpredictable,” the department said. “This incident could have resulted in far more serious consequences.”

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/newtown-stage-home-invasion/37123/

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