Entirely too much BS in this thread!
1. Nothing wrong or right about investigating noises outside, it is a personal choice, nothing cowardly or brave about either decision, lots of mitigating factors involved that would differ by person and situation.
2. Gun drawn upon leaving house, not too sure I am a fan, I could go either way here, again circumstances change opinions fast.
3. They ran, ding, ding, ding, we have a winner. Pursuit afterwards, shooting etc, doing anything BUT holstering the weapon was a serious mistake.
4. At no point in the information I read was deadly force justified and the ONLY criminal action the OP could PROVE is that someone MIGHT be trespassing on his property, you may not shoot at or even threaten to shoot trespassers.
5. Again every situation differs, but in one way they all remain the same, it is a POTENTIAL armed encounter and the only win is when everyone lives, it happened that way this time. Those so eager to run outside and confront, especially those whom imply a lack of bravery prevents such things, you are only showing a misunderstanding of the tactical advantages one most likely has within the home. Remember, no one dies is a win, if you do not die it is a damn good second place. Stepping out into the yard, you are entering the unknown, you may be outnumbered, it might be the very goal set up as a trap, since it is highly unlikely you are going to jump out a window, if I am stalking you, guess where my firearm is aimed... that's right, center of your door.
What would LMTD do or has he done in the past:
1. fire up the lights outside, make it well known you are now alert to the situation at hand.
2. call the cops, preferred that this is done in hearing distance IE open a window to let sound out and speak clearly so they know the cops are coming.
3. Grab the 12ga pump and rack one in real hard so the noise is clear and concise, it is a known huge deterrent.
4. If possible, gain an elevated position with good concealment to observe and await police arrival.
I sure do not want to live with shooting another if I do not have to, I am not going to raise those odds anytime I can lower them. I also am not going to be running around outside with a pistol in my hand knowing the police may be coming or already chasing someone. An unknown disturbance is just that, unknown and entering into it armed is not the best tactic. Lighting it up and learning what you are dealing with while seeking assistance IMHO is a much better choice.