Louisiana mother shoots and kills man who broke into her home with shovel, authorities say

A Louisiana mother shot and killed a man that broke into her home while her two children slept, authorities say.

The incident occurred at a home in the city of Hammond, about 40 miles north of New Orleans, early Sunday morning, according to a statement from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said 51-year-old Robert Rheams was in an argument with a woman at a motel when he left and was given a car ride by an unnamed individual. During the drive, authorities said he attacked the driver of the vehicle in what authorities determined was an attempted carjacking. The car ran into a ditch and Rheams fled the scene on foot.

A few hours later, authorities were notified of shots fired at a mobile home and responding officers found Rheams dead inside.

Investigators learned Rheams broke inside of the home with a shovel and lug wrench, waking up a 30-year-old woman who lived in the home. The woman, who was not named, had been asleep in the home along with her 5-year-old and 8-year-old children.

Sheriff Chief Jimmy Travis told USA TODAY a struggle ensued as Rheams attempted to strike the woman with the shovel.

“She was able to arm herself with a Glock 40 and defend herself and her children to stop this violent attack,” Travis said. 

The Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office determined Rheams died at the scene as a result of his injuries from a single gunshot wound.

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