A home invasion in Orion Township concluded with the death of an armed man who broke into his ex-girlfriend's residence with an axe.

The intruder, identified as 67-year-old Galen Gavitt from Unionville, was shot and killed by the ex-girlfriend’s stepson.

Gavitt's ex-girlfriend, 62, and her 36-year-old stepson were unharmed in the incident, according to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. Following a 17-year relationship that ended bitterly, the ex-girlfriend had moved to Orion Township, where she lived with her stepson and his wife.

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

The confrontation occurred just after 10 a.m. at a house on Elkhorn Road. Sheriff's deputies responded promptly to an initial report of breaking and entering.

During the 911 call, the stepson conveyed that he and his stepmother were afraid of Gavitt, who had been legally barred from entering the home. The ex-girlfriend held a valid personal protection order against Gavitt and had secured an extreme risk protection order on June 12 under Michigan's "red flag" laws.

These laws authorize judges to confiscate firearms from individuals deemed a threat. Authorities had already removed two firearms from Gavitt’s Tuscola County home on June 12.

The stepson reported that Gavitt had threatened their lives.

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

Early in the morning on July 17, Gavitt shattered a rear window with an axe to gain entry. As the stepson and his stepmother barricaded themselves in an upstairs bedroom, Gavitt fired through the door, causing the stepson to fall.

Gavitt then aimed a .38 caliber revolver at the stepson, who was on the floor but armed with a handgun. Gavitt stepped over the stepson, intending to reach his ex-girlfriend, who had locked herself in an adjacent bathroom. "I’m here for her," he reportedly said.

As Gavitt tried to break into the bathroom, the stepson shot him in the head.

Deputies attempted to revive Gavitt, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident is still under investigation.

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.