[Calvin Locke]

I realize I'm inferring, but what was the explanation for a homeowner to be out in his yard with loaded rifle of large caliber at 4AM?

(IOWs, he wasn't plinking at raccoons...)

[Governor Dinwiddie]

#30: "(IOWs, he wasn't plinking at raccoons...)"

Hmmm.
 

[flamberge]

what was the explanation for a homeowner to be out in his yard with loaded rifle of large caliber at 4AM?

There was no explanation given. Choose any explanation you like.

The homeowner was smart enough to remain silent and has declined to speak with reporters.

The homeowner is a truck driver. Others have pointed out that a 4:00am wake up time is commonplace in this job. That works for me.

There are several "No Trespassing" signs on the property. That tells me that the homeowner has had problems with burglars or vagrants before, and had direct reasons to be armed with weapons close at hand.

I would bet that there have been previous contacts with the "teens".

Looks like a story with a happy ending to me.