A weekend confrontation between an armed homeowner in Los Angeles and a team of home invaders that left one of the suspects dead is getting headlines across the country, with coverage from the New York Post and Fox News.
For some reason, the Los Angeles Times gave the incident the least amount of coverage. The incident occurred early Saturday morning.
According to KABC News, the shooting occurred at a residence in the Granada Hills neighborhood. The homeowner, a toddler and her grandmother were in the home when the burglars broke in. The homeowner was able to grab his handgun after one of the suspects aimed a gun at him. Shots were fired and the wounded suspect died at the scene.
KTLA News is reporting that neighbors have complained about an increase in residential burglaries in the Granada Hills area, almost on a daily basis.
What makes this case different is that the perpetrators fled on foot, leaving a vehicle at the crime scene. Presumably, even if it was a stolen car, there could be plenty of fingerprints available.
Fox News said the homeowner told police the entire group wore masks, dark clothing and hoodies. The homeowner was reportedly in fear for his life when he opened fire. Several shots were fired and one of the other suspects may have been wounded, because investigators found something of a blood trail heading away from the scene.
Police took the homeowner away in handcuffs for questioning, but various published reports said he was later released.
KABC News reported that police suggested the suspects in this caper might be involved in other home invasions in the area. This time they picked the wrong target. The station quoted a neighbor identified as Pat Walsh, who observed, “I’m not surprised at all this has happened. It’s been a real problem here, and the residents here are fed up.”