We had a case where the person roaming around turned out to be a cop. Our house had been broken into and the next day a grungy looking guy was circling the house. Looking at windows from close up. My wife was home alone and called me in a panic. She was ready to shoot. I called the police to find out if they had someone there. About that time he finally pulled his badge out and displayed it.
That is REALLY SCARY...and I’m not sure my wife would do any better in that circumstance - that’s why you have think these things our and talk out the plans BEFORE anything happens. I’m sure glad she was able to reach you on the phone, though.