[cgraham]

In such scenarios one usually sees the advice not to attempt to clear the home, but call 911 instead. The reason is that you moving are much more vulnerable than a BG who hears you and lies in wait.

You are fortunate that you are on the ground floor and could presumaby have let LE in by the window. On a higher floor you would have had a real problem with a solidly barred door (you can't just toss them the keys). You have to walk throught the danger zone to unbar it: if I were a BG I would take you hostage to fend off the LEOs.

I don't have an answer for that problem: maybe someone else does.

I know one can feel pretty silly after having called LE to a false alarm. I once thought I heard someone inside my home upon returning. I was particularly concerned because there was a high power rifle in there. I call, a cop shows up, and I unlock the door and he wants me to go in first (unarmed)! I told him "you have the gun, you first!" (I was thinking AND the badge AND the experience).

I did feel silly afterwards, but I hadn't taken any unnecessary risks, which was some consolation.

C