Introduction to the Incident
A 79-year-old military veteran armed with a gun shot and killed a naked intruder early Friday morning during an attempted burglary in a Studio City neighborhood, police told NBC4 Investigates.
The deadly altercation unfolded near Tujunga Avenue and Sarah Street, where police responded at about 7 a.m. to a report of a shooting.
Details of the Altercation
The Vietnam veteran heard screaming coming from outside a neighbor’s house in the San Fernando Valley community and confronted the naked intruder, the LAPD said. Two women were inside the house, located southwest of the 170-101/134 freeway interchange, during the break-in, police said.
During the ensuing struggle, the veteran’s legs were broken when he was body-slammed by the intruder, Capt. Warner Castillo told NBC4 Investigates.
"The witnesses said the suspect basically lifted up the 79-year-old and body-slammed him to the ground on the driveway, which is concrete," Castillo said.
Outcome of the Confrontation
The veteran opened fire, striking the intruder in the chest before another gunshot struck the man in the head, police said. The intruder, whose identity was not immediately available, died at the scene.
"There was an older guy in the home and the naked guy was walking through their gate and shots were fired," a witness who asked not to be identified said. "I looked over and the naked guy was on the ground and the older guy was on the ground. And, he shot him two more times."
The veteran was hospitalized in serious condition.
Investigation and Background
Castillo said there did not appear to be any type of relationship between the intruder and the people inside the house.
Before the deadly altercation, security camera video from an apartment complex showed the man with no clothes walking on a sidewalk across the street from the property where the shooting occurred. He can be heard yelling as he approached an apartment security gate before turning around and walking across the street.
On Wednesday in the western San Fernando Valley, former Lakers player Christian Wood fired several rounds during an attempted home invasion in Sherman Oaks, LAPD told NBC4 Investigates. Wood, who was inside the two-story house, confronted the would-be burglars before running outside and firing 3 to 4 rounds at the ground, police said.
The intruders were scared off.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of home security and the right to self-defense. The bravery and quick thinking of the 79-year-old veteran likely saved the lives of the two women inside the house. As the investigation continues, the community is left to ponder the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
FAQs
- Q: What happened in the Studio City neighborhood?
A: A 79-year-old military veteran shot and killed a naked intruder during an attempted burglary. - Q: How did the veteran suffer injuries?
A: The veteran’s legs were broken when the intruder body-slammed him to the ground. - Q: Was there a relationship between the intruder and the house occupants?
A: According to Capt. Warner Castillo, there did not appear to be any type of relationship between the intruder and the people inside the house. - Q: What happened in a similar incident in Sherman Oaks?
A: Former Lakers player Christian Wood fired several rounds during an attempted home invasion, scaring off the intruders.
