San Diego

A uptown resident shot and killed a transient who apparently was attempting to break into his apartment through a bathroom window Friday, authorities said.

Mark Kipling Emerson, 35, died at UCSD Medical Center from a single gunshot wound to the chest, said Deputy Coroner Charles Kelley.

David Szabo, 26, told police he was awakened at 3:30 a.m. by someone outside his apartment on the 2000 block of 4th Avenue, San Diego Police Lt. Gary Learn said.

Szabo saw a man in the narrow walkway next to his bathroom window and asked his girlfriend to call police, Learn said. After arming himself with a handgun, Szabo approached the bathroom and found Emerson trying to crawl in through the window, which had been closed, Learn said.

Szabo fired once, striking Emerson, who ran a short distance then collapsed in the street, Learn said. Emerson was taken to the hospital, where he died less than an hour later.

Police found a prying tool outside the window, and homicide detectives are investigating the incident, Learn said. Szabo was not arrested.