California man shoots Newport Beach home invader to protect family, second intruder commits suicide

A violent home invasion turned deadly when a homeowner shot and wounded one of two armed intruders who broke into a home in Newport Beach, California, on Tuesday morning. The second suspect was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in nearby bushes. According to the Newport Beach Police Department, he shot himself.

The incident occurred around 4.45 am at a house near a cul-de-sac in Vista Luce.

A man, two women and a child were inside when two armed suspects entered the home, possibly through the side door.

The homeowner then fired a rifle at the intruders, injuring one.

Police received a report of a break-in near Newport Coast Drive and Pelican Hill Road North. The caller reported that one of the residents shot a suspect inside the home. The injured suspect and another suspect then fled the home.

When the police reached the spot, they found a man armed with a gun lying on the road with bullet injuries. The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.

The second suspect fled the scene but was later found dead in nearby bushes from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police believe this crime appears to be a targeted incident involving a prior relationship between the suspects and the victims.

“We know there is a relationship between the suspects, the two suspects, and the victims, residents,” Newport Beach Police Sergeant Steve Oberon said, reports news portal ABC7.

Police assured community safety

Although details regarding the nature of the relationship and the suspects’ intentions remain unclear, the homeowner is being praised for protecting his family.

Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill praised homeowners for jumping into action to protect their loved ones, ABC7 reports.

Sergeant Oberon assured the community that this was an isolated incident.

“This is very rare for the city of Newport Beach… I want residents and community members to know that we are doing everything we can to ensure everyone’s safety,” ABC7 quoted Oberon as saying. “

None of the family members inside the house were injured during the confrontation.

“All four people inside the residence were safely evacuated and were not injured,” Newport Beach police said.

Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill praised the homeowner’s actions to protect his family.

He said, “I can tell you right now that if you come to Newport Beach to commit a crime, we will defend ourselves and today is an example of that.”

Police confirmed that this incident is not related to South American theft and burglary groups targeting wealthy areas in the area, according to ABC7.

Police is investigating the case.