WALNUT, Calif.—Walnut officials stressed the city’s safety on May 22 and said the sheriff’s department would be “utilizing all of their resources to investigate'' the shooting death of a suspected burglar by a homeowner.
A 27-year-old man and his 26-year-old wife said they heard footsteps at about 4 a.m. Saturday while they were inside their home in the 20000 block of East Country Hollow Drive, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The couple was investigating the sound when the man “was confronted by a male suspect armed with a handgun and a shooting ensued,'' sheriff’s officials said.
“The suspect sustained gunshot wounds to his upper torso and was pronounced deceased at the scene,'' the sheriff’s department said.
Neither the resident nor his wife was injured.
A second suspect fled the location. Authorities said the first suspect’s handgun was located at the scene.
“The City of Walnut places safety as a top priority within this community and crime rates have been continually low compared to neighboring cities,'' according to a statement released Sunday by the city.
“This type of incident is uncommon in our City and the Walnut Sheriff’s Station will be utilizing all of their resources to investigate the matter.
“The City of Walnut is relieved the homeowners are safe and were able to defend himself, his family and his home. We will continue to work with the Walnut Sheriffs to keep the residents of our community safe. We as a Council are committed to the public safety of our residents,'' the statement continued.
The sheriff’s Homicide Bureau urged anyone with information regarding the incident to call them at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
