The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the shooting of a man who broke into a Landrum home Friday, March 8.

The sheriff’s office received a call at 6:26 p.m. Friday night, March 8 from 532 Hwy. 14 West, Landrum saying someone was trying to break into the home.

When the homeowner, Jonathan Wofford, called back a second time it was to inform authorities the suspect, who has been identified as Dakota Hester, had kicked in the door, and he (the homeowner) had shot Hester multiple times.

Hester was airlifted to Spartanburg Regional Medical center, where he remains in the hospital in critical condition. Spartanburg County officials said if he survives and improves enough to be released from the hospital, he would be charged with burglary and criminal domestic violence.

Sheriff’s officers discovered Hester came to the house because his wife was inside with Wofford. The suspect kicked in the front door to the residence and assaulted his wife by grabbing her around the throat and pushing her against the wall, according to reports.

The suspect then went upstairs where the homeowner had retreated behind his locked bedroom door. Information from the sheriff’s office said Hester kicked in that door as well, which is when Wofford shot him.

The Violent Crime investigators on the scene have consulted with the Solicitor’s Office, who has stated it appears Wofford was within his rights to defend himself, so Wofford will not be charged.