CLAY COUNTY, Mo. -- Clay County authorities said a homeowner took matters into his own hands early Wednesday morning when someone tried to break into his home.

Deputies said a man was standing outside of the family's home in the 12000 block of Missouri State Route 92, just west of Kearney, screaming.

The homeowner told police the man forced open the door and started to walk in the house.

The homeowner said he shot the intruder, critically wounding him. He was taken to Liberty Hospital.

Police said the homeowner's wife and two children were there when the incident happened. They are all OK.

A Clay County Sheriff's investigator said the alleged intruder appeared to be "highly intoxicated."