Topeka ? Topeka police say a homeowner fired a shot at a man trying to break into his car, but missed.

The alleged thief was taken into custody after fleeing the area and hiding about a block away from the residence.

Police say the homeowner heard a suspicious noise outside his residence around 5:30 a.m. and found an unknown man breaking into his vehicle.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the homeowner fired at the man when he turned toward him.

A police spokesman says the homeowner had every right to protect his property. Officers interviewed the homeowner and released him.