An armed homeowner in an affluent Los Angeles neighborhood took action when confronted by would-be burglars who broke into his house on Monday. The incident occurred in the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Valley Village around 3 p.m. when at least two suspects entered the home on Addison Street.
The homeowner, who was alone in the house at the time, used a semi-automatic handgun to defend himself. He opened fire, striking one of the perpetrators twice. The injured suspect, a 25-year-old male, was found inside the home and is currently in critical condition after being taken to the hospital.
The other suspect managed to flee the scene before the police arrived. LAPD Captain Kelly Muniz stated that the homeowner also sustained injuries during the altercation and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The motive behind the break-in is believed to be random.
Authorities described the at-large suspect as an African American male in his early 20s. Following the incident, police established a perimeter in the neighborhood to search for the remaining suspects, urging residents to stay indoors for safety.
Captain Muniz highlighted the increasing trend of burglaries in Los Angeles and emphasized the importance of community vigilance. She advised residents to know their neighbors, secure their windows, and take preventive measures to deter potential intruders, especially as warmer weather may lead to open windows that attract burglars.
This incident adds to a series of recent home invasion attempts in California, including a case in April where a homeowner in Newport Beach shot a burglar inside a gated property. The ongoing rise in such incidents underscores the need for heightened security awareness among residents to protect their homes and families.
