Scott City man dies after attempted home invasion

SCOTT CITY, Mo. — A Scott City man died after police say he broke into a residence and was shot by the homeowner Saturday, Aug. 24.

At 2:43 p.m. Saturday officers with the Scott City Police Department, assisted by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in Scott City in reference to a report of a burglary in progress, according to a news release issued by Scott City Police Chief Chris Griggs. It was reported the homeowner called 911 and said someone kicked in his back door, and he shot the intruder.

Arriving officers were met by the caller and they were directed to the scene and the location of the shot intruder, who was later identified as Jason L. Vermillion of Scott City, according to Griggs.

“Officers immediately started life-saving measures,” Griggs said. “Emergency Medical Services along with first responders from the Scott City Fire Department continued life-saving efforts.”

Officers processed the scene and investigated it as a homicide, the police chief said.

“The resident was in his home, he heard his backdoor as it was forced open,” Griggs said. “He confronted the intruder and was forced to defend himself using a handgun.”

Vermillion died a short time later at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

“At this time, we are not seeking charges on the homeowner,” Griggs said. “With the efforts of the officers as they’re thoroughly investigating the scene, the homeowner was acting in self defense and was protecting himself and his property.”