Ider police arrested a man who they say attempted to break into a home and was held at gunpoint by the owner until officers arrived.

Ider Police Chief Stephen Malone said the incident happened Saturday at a home in the area of County Road 732.

A man told police he discovered a man entering a house on his property, who then went under the house for a short time to hide after hearing the owner’s approach.

Then after waiting, the would-be burglar fled into a nearby wooded area.

Malone said the owner then attempted to call police, when he encountered burglar approaching from the woods, now armed with a knife.

“During the call to police, you could hear both the victim and suspect yelling at one another, the victim pleading for the suspect to drop the knife,” Malone said.

According to the homeowner, the man went to the ground and acted as though he would give up, but then attempted to stand to his feet and brandished the knife again.

According to Malone, the owner then drew a gun and told the man he would shoot him if the suspect did not drop the knife. Police arrived later.

John Mitchell, 38, of Gaylesville, was taken into custody and charged with second degree burglary, menacing, first degree trespassing and third degree criminal mischief. He is being held on $20,000 bond in the DeKalb County Jail.

Malone said he was relieved that both men were unharmed and the only damage was to the home.

“I’m thankful that the victim exercised his second amendment right,” Malone said. “If not this incident could have had a tragic ending for both parties.”

Henagar and Sylvania police, and the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office, all responded to the scene for assistance.