A Middle Island woman is in critical condition after police say her estranged husband broke into her home and shot her Tuesday night.

Authorities say retired NYPD officer Darryl Fowler made his way into the gated Strathmore on the Green community by sneaking onto the surrounding golf course. According to police, Fowler broke down the door to the home and shot the woman five times in the torso.

The two worked at Suffolk Community College, police say, and Fowler just learned he was fired because his wife took out an order of protection against him. They think that may be what sparked the action.

Fowler faces attempted murder charges.