WASHINGTON — A suspected burglar was shot and seriously injured early Saturday morning in Montgomery County, Maryland, according to police.

Officials said they responded to a call to a Tall Pines Drive home in Germantown just off of Route 355 and Route 27, shortly after 2 a.m.

A homeowner alerted police to an alleged burglary in progress and shot at the suspect.

A 19-year-old man was hit. He remains in serious condition with life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.

“The homeowner called, stated that there was a burglary in progress at that home,” said Montgomery County Police Captain Paul Starks.

“The suspect was in the yard area, near by the home suffering from an apparent gunshot wound,” Starks said. “Officers arrived, spoke with the homeowner, learned that homeowner had interrupted a burglary, had come downstairs, had discharged a firearm and the suspect had fled.”

Police said the homeowner heard noises in his basement and believed his house was being burglarized.

After arming himself with a handgun, the homeowner encountered two suspects in the basement — one of whom allegedly threatened to kill the homeowner.

The homeowner fired twice at the suspect, striking him once.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Detectives are urging anyone with information about this event to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070.

WTOP’s Dick Uliano contributed to this story.