A Ferndale man is in custody on charges that he broke into a neighbor's home. But police say the suspect should be glad he was arrested, he could be dead.

56-yr old Johl Cole is charged with home invasion. Police say he broke into an elderly man's home around 3:30 this morning. The man fired a shot at him with a handgun, but not before Cole got the man's wallet and some other valuables.

Cole was not injured. He was arrested a short time later. He has a long criminal record, and he could be sentenced to up to 20 yrs on this latest charge.

Police say there will be no charges filed against the homeowner, they say he was justified in firing the shot to defend himself and his home.