CHICAGO — A homeowner who says he saw two thieves stealing from a car fatally shot one of the suspects in a shootout, according to police.

The homeowner, a 44-year-old man was sitting on the steps of his home on the 2900 block of North Wolcott Avenue around 11:12 p.m. Wednesday when he heard a loud noise and two saw men underneath a car attempting to steal a catalytic converter.

When the two men noticed they were being watched, they crawled out from the car and pulled out their guns and started shooting at the homeowner.

The 44-year-old, who is a licensed concealed carry holder, took out his own firearm and shot one of the suspects, a 25-year-old identified as Darion Blackman, in the neck. The second suspect fled the scene.

Blackman was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center and was pronounced dead.

The homeowner was not injured.

Area Three detectives are investigating.

Blackman was arrested on Sept. 9 for unlawful use of a weapon and not having a valid FOID card. He was released the next day.