ZACHARY - A man who may have a mental disability was shot after he forced his way into a Zachary home over the weekend.

The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office's says it responded to a reported home invasion around 1 a.m. Sunday along Sutter Lane.

When authorities arrived on scene, they found the intruder suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

Deputies interviewed the homeowner, who stated he heard his dog bark continuously, leading him to the back patio where he found a nude man standing at his back door. The homeowner armed himself with a gun and gave the intruder several commands to back away. The man then allegedly forced his way inside the home and was shot by the homeowner.

Neighbors say they're not surprised by the encounter. They explained it's been a going concern for the past several years, ever since the Andover Community House opened down the street. They say the building houses adults with mental disabilites.

"We knew it was gonna happen eventually. It's the second time somebody's got out from over there," neighbor Keith Sharp said. "They're not paying attention."

The sheriff's office confirmed Monday that the intruder did live at the group home but could not say for sure if the man had a disability. He remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.