A homeowner in Southern California has shot a suspected home intruder in what authorities say was a “targeted” home invasion.
The Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD) said in a statement on April 16 that officers had responded to a 911 call regarding a possible break-in near Newport Coast Drive and Pelican Hill Road North, an upscale neighborhood in Orange County known for its high-end coastal properties.
Police said an unidentified caller reported the home invasion around 4:45 a.m. and told dispatchers one of the residents shot one of two suspects.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a male suspect armed with a handgun lying in the street near the victim’s home.
He was suffering from gunshot wounds and was transported to an area hospital for treatment, police said. His condition is unknown.
Officials also discovered a second suspect in nearby bushes. He was found with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. The suspect was declared dead at the scene.
Police did not release the names of the suspects. They said an investigation is ongoing.
“The incident is contained and there are currently no threats to the community,” the NBPD stated. “The crime appears to be a targeted incident involving a prior connection between the suspects and victims.”
There were four people inside the residence at the time of the home invasion burglary, police said. All of the victims were uninjured and were safely evacuated.
Community Response
In an on-scene video shared on X, Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill used the outcome of the incident to warn home intruders coming to the California neighborhood.
“If you are thinking about coming into our city to commit crime, know that we will defend ourselves,” Mr. O’Neill said.
Some longtime residents told FOX 11 that the attempted break-in was “totally unique” to them.
“We’ve never had anything like this at all. I’ve lived here for 30 years,” Don Danks told the station.
Roseann DiCostanzo, another resident living in a nearby neighborhood, expressed concern over the incident, saying she has decided to enroll in a firearms training course.
“People feel compelled now that they can take over people’s personal property; it’s lawlessness,” Ms. DiCostanzo said.
“We’re not putting up with any more of this stuff. I personally am taking training to make sure I know how to use my Second Amendment rights.”
Newport Coast is an upscale community on the southern end of Newport Beach. The neighborhood is known for its world-class golf courses like the Pelican Hill Golf Club. Tiger Woods owns a property there.
Hollywood celebrities like singer Gwen Stefani, actress Emma Stone, and the late actor John Wayne are notable residents who have long owned property in Newport Beach.