Man Shot After Answering Door in Silver Spring

A man was shot and seriously wounded after answering his door in Silver Spring, Maryland Thursday night, Montgomery County police say. 

The victim, 47, answered a knock at the door of his home on Clement Place about 6:30 p.m. and found two men there, police said. After a brief struggle, one of the men shot the homeowner in the abdomen. The men then ran off, police said.

The victim's 7-year-old son was home at the time of the shooting, but was not hurt.

Neighbors identified the victim as Joshua Bart, a massage therapist who works out of his home. He is in serious condition after undergoing surgery.

Police say Bart -- who was able to call 911 himself -- may be the best witness they have.

"He was able to tell investigators he answered the door to his residence and he was confronted by two male subjects at the door," said Officer Rick Goodale of Montgomery County Police. "A confrontation ensued and one of the subjects shot him. Both subjects then fled the area."

Investigators do not believe there is a greater danger to the community. 

"Detectives do not believe that this was a random act," Goodale said.

Neighbors are concerned about Bart's young son, whose mother died last year unexpectedly. 

One neighbor said she was worried about safety after the shooting.

"A little worried, scared, yeah," said Lois Roux, who's lived in the neighborhood for 43 years. "I just talked to my daughter; she tells me, 'Don't answer the door at night.' When my doorbell rings, I'm used to it, I go to see who it is."

The suspects were still at large as of Friday evening.