People who live in a Berea neighborhood say there have been a rash of burglaries over the past month, but this is the first time it became a very dangerous situation.

"I always wondered was I going to be able to do what I needed to do if someone came in the house," said Graham Ricks.

Early Sunday morning, Ricks found out how he'd react to an intruder.

Just after 5 in the morning, he says he awoke to loud noises coming from the back door of his house on Whispering Hills Drive and called 9-1-1.

22 year-old Ricks, who was home alone while his parents were away, says the suspect finally got the door open. Ricks says he grabbed his gun and crouched behind a wall near the living room.

"He turned towards me and I saw he had a gun and I fired," Ricks said, "and he ran out the door."

It's isn't believed the suspect was hit by the bullet, but Ricks says the suspect may have been injured jumping off the porch.

Ricks and other neighbors say there have been at least 5 other burglary incidents on the street over the past month, including a trailer stolen from a fenced-in yard.

"It was just really scary knowing not only are they breaking into houses, but they're armed," Ricks said.

He hopes the suspect is caught, as he tries to feel safe again in his own home. He says he'll never forget the suspect's face.

Ricks describes the suspect as a white male.. 5 foot 8 inches tall.. Wide-set eyes.. Dark brown or black hair to his chin.. And wearing a dark blue shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to call Madison County authorities.