LA man shoots dead burglar as gunfight breaks out during home invasion, three intruders still at large
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A homeowner on Swinton Avenue in the Granada Hills engaged a group of home invasion suspects in a gunfight in the early morning of December 2.
One of the suspected invaders was fatally shot and died at the scene, which led to the homeowner being detained for questioning, reported the Daily Mail.
Officers responded to the residence at around 5 am after receiving a report of a 'hot prowl,' which is a burglary in the presence of the homeowner.
LAPD officials stated, "The officers’ preliminary investigation determined that approximately three to four armed males in their 20s entered the home with the intent to burglarize the location."
"A suspect pointed a weapon at the victim and while the suspects were inside the residence, the victim produced a firearm and a shooting occurred."
At the time of the invasion, a grandmother and a toddler were present inside the house along with the homeowner.
What happened to the other suspected burglars?
Apart from the one who died at the scene, three other suspects reportedly fled and have not yet been identified. However, a "trail of blood" spotted at the location indicated someone was injured.
"It is believed that an additional suspect was injured during the incident due to a trail of blood located during the investigation," stated LAPD officials.
The name of the deceased burglar has not yet been released.
Investigators did locate a vehicle linked to the suspects.
The homeowner, who remains unnamed as well, was captured on video being detained by the officials during the initial investigation. Whether he has been charged remains unknown.
Reaction of the neighbors
Speaking with KTLA, the neighbors of the homeowner admitted being alarmed but not surprised by the incident.
"We’ve been having burglaries every day in this neighborhood. So I’m not surprised at all. It’s been a real problem. Residents here are fed up," said Pat Walsh.
Another stated, "The suspects messed with the wrong homeowner. So hopefully this will stop them. It makes me feel good that people are able to protect their homes and stop these guys."
