A student from Wall attending Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland killed a suspected burglar with a samurai sword Tuesday in the garage behind his off-campus home.

Police say 20-year-old John Pontolillo, a junior chemistry major, heard a noise outside and went out to the garage, where he confronted the intruder, Donald D. Rice. Rice, 49, lunged at Pontolillo and the student struck him twice with a sword, police say. Rice died at the scene.

Authorities say Rice was recently released from jail and was arrested more than 24 times.

Police say self-defense incidents in Maryland are treated on a case by case basis and it is unlikely Pontolillo will face charges.

AP wire services contributed to this article.