A woman in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, shot a man who was reportedly attempting to break into her home on Sunday night, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Hollyridge Drive.
The police report states that a man called 911 to inform authorities that his wife had shot someone trying to enter their residence. The suspect was pushing against the door when the homeowner fired her weapon. The man, who was shot, was heard yelling that he was hurt and pleading to be let inside.
The woman, fearing for her life, armed herself with a weapon. She told police that she saw the man reach into his pocket and simulate having a firearm. It remains unclear whether the suspect was actually armed. LAPD officers arrived at the scene to find the man, who was conscious and breathing, suffering from a gunshot wound. The suspect, identified only as being in his 30s, was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition.
Video footage from the scene shows officers detaining a woman, presumably the homeowner, as part of their investigation. No arrests have been made so far.
In a separate incident in Auburn, Washington, a resident faced a terrifying situation early Thursday morning. The Auburn Police Department (APD) responded to a report of a shooting at an address on 117th Place SE. Security footage from the home shows three men approaching the front door, announcing themselves as “Seattle police” before attempting to kick it in. The homeowner, armed and ready, fired shots at the intruders through the door, causing them to flee.
No injuries were reported, but the shootout sent bullets flying, hitting nearby houses. A neighbor described the scene as sounding like a “war zone.” The APD is working to identify the three suspects involved and has urged anyone with information to contact their tip line.
In another incident in Surprise, Arizona, a homeowner shot one suspect and another was taken into custody after they tried to break into a home early Monday morning. The incident occurred near 140th Drive and Waddell Road. The homeowner opened fire as the suspects attempted to force their way inside, hitting one of them. The injured suspect was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Neighbors expressed shock and concern over the incident, with some stating that it has raised their awareness about home security. Rachel Moss, a criminal defense attorney, explained that Arizona’s crime prevention statute allows homeowners to use physical or even deadly force if they reasonably believe a crime is in progress. The statute presumes that a homeowner is acting reasonably in such situations, though unclear cases may go to trial for a jury to decide.
These incidents highlight the increasing concerns about home invasions and the measures homeowners are taking to protect themselves. While the legality of using deadly force varies by state, the common thread is the fear and uncertainty that such break-ins instill in residents.
As investigations continue, these cases serve as a reminder of the importance of home security and the potential consequences of confronting intruders.
Source: KABC Television, LLC; Auburn WA Police Department; KTVK/KPHO
