Granada Hills resident shoots, kills intruder during home invasion, LAPD says

GRANADA HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A Granada Hills homeowner shot and killed one of two intruders during an early-morning home invasion Saturday, authorities said.

Officers responded about 5 a.m. to a report of a hot prowler in the 11400 block of Swinton Avenue, near Rinaldi Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

One suspect was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot by the resident, the LAPD said. The other intruder fled and remained at large.

Police said the suspect pointed a weapon at the victim when the homeowner shot at them. Investigators believe another suspect was injured.

"There was a blood trail that trailed from the residence," said LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton. "We trailed it to the end but we believe there was at least one or two additional suspects involved in this burglary that left this scene."

A grandmother and a toddler were at home during the break-in though none of the residents were reported injured. Neighbors who spoke with Eyewitness News said this type of crime has been happening often.

"We've been having burglaries every day in this neighborhood, so I'm not surprised," said Pat Walsh. "I'm not surprised at all this has happened. It's been a real problem here, and the residents here are fed up."

Officers believe the suspects involved in the break-in are connected to other home invasions. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.