A 71-year-old Walla Walla man suffered minor injuries after he struggled with a burglar he found inside his home early Wednesday, police said.

Walla Walla police were called to the house in the 600 block of Catherine Street after the homeowner called 911 at 12:40 a.m. saying two burglars were inside, said Officer Tim Bennett.

The victim said he was woken up by noises coming from the stairway inside his home, Bennett said.

He then armed himself with a shotgun and saw one suspect run downstairs and outside.

The second suspect came out of a room next to him and tried to grab the shotgun, Bennett said. The victim struggled with the suspect and fell down the stairs, but managed to hold on to the gun.

The second suspect was described as being in his late teens to early 20s, about 5-foot-8, clean shaven with a medium build. He was wearing a black shirt and light-colored pants.

The homeowner declined to be treated for his injuries, Bennett said.

It doesn't appear the suspects took anything from the home.

Anyone with information about the burglary attempt can call Walla Walla police at 509-527-1960.