Police Say Indio Homeowner Shot Intruder
Neighbors say Francis Avenue is a quiet street. But that peace was shattered Monday night when police say two people invaded a home and the homeowner opened fire.
The homeowner told police he shot one of them. They fled in a white Honda. Half an hour later, a local hospital called police to tell them a person with gunshot wounds had come into the emergency room.
Police couldn't tell us if it was the same man or how badly he was hurt.
We asked neighbors what they would do in a similar situation.
Neighbor Eric Torres said, "If I did own a gun, I'd probably do the same thing."
We asked Torres if someone was to break into his house, if he thought it's his right to shoot them. Torres said, "Oh yes, of course, definitely, they are trespassing on your property."
So we asked police if you do have the right to shoot someone who is breaking into your home.
Deputy Angel Ramos said, "The Riverside County Sheriff's Department does not encourage people to shoot other individuals, we recommend that you call 9-1-1, and we will respond to the house, however, you have the right to defend yourself."
Another neighbor, Tom Truitt, told us he would defend himself.
"When something happens, you react. How far are you being pushed, how far are you going to go to defend yourself. People that come through your windown don't have any concern for you, you don't know what they're going to do so you've got to defend yourself, my belief."
The sheriff's department is investigating to make sure the homeowner was in the right, when he opened fire on the intruders.





This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.