Police say a Tacoma, Wash., homeowner shot a would-be intruder in the face with a shotgun when the man tried to break in through a window.

Police spokesman Mark Fulghum said the shooting happened Tuesday evening.

The injured man collapsed a short distance away and was taken to a nearby hospital. Fulghum says he has "some very significant injuries" but is expected to survive.

Police say the male homeowner called 911 to report the break-in before grabbing the shotgun.

The investigation continues but the police spokesman says it appears the resident feared for his life and was protecting himself.