Police responded to the 8300 block of Lambert Drive around 3:23 a.m. following a call from a male adult resident who had been shot inside a residence by several unknown assailants.
The 29-year-old was shot twice in the chest and rushed to UCI Medical Center in Orange for surgery. Police said the man was in critical but stable condition and was expected to survive.
A friend of the victim's, who only wanted to be identified as "Joe," said he spent the past few nights on the couch at the house. Two masked men walked through the unlocked front door, according to the friend, who was sleeping on the couch. He woke up to them pointing a gun at his face.
"They said, 'Police, don't move,'" said Joe. "That's the only thing they said to me."
Joe identified the homeowner as "Andrew." He said Andrew ran in to help.
"Andrew came rushing down his hallway and he attacked both of them. He saved my life, and he got shot," said Joe.
No items were taken during the incident.
During the investigation, detectives seized a quantity of drugs and an unspecified amount of U.S. currency from the residence. A firearm believed to be the weapon in the shooting was also located and seized. Police said there were indicators of ongoing criminal activity inside the residence, and believe the residence was targeted.
A witness who was present during the incident was questioned. Investigators said the victims did not recognize the multiple intruders. Officers went door-to-door and scoured the areas near the crime scene for clues, and collected bags of evidence.
Neighbors said the house is frequently noisy at all hours.
The investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information related to the case was urged to contact Huntington Beach Police at (714) 375-5066, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.
