There is little more fundamental than the instinct to protect the young and defenseless. This behavior may be readily witnessed in the animal kingdom, and it remains a vital part of civilized society.
There are few if any lengths a person will not go to prevent harm from coming to their children.
Another example of this behavior unfolded Saturday in Granada Hills, California. A homeowner with multiple preschool-aged children and his grandmother present was forced to confront what police dispatch called a “hot prowler,” and the results were lethal.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene when officers arrived. He was found with several gunshot wounds. Authorities believe another suspect fled the scene after possibly being shot as well.
During a press conference after the fatal incident, Los Angeles Police Department Valley Bureau Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton provided details. He said the preliminary investigation determined that the armed suspect confronted the homeowner, and this led to the shooting.
“During that burglary, multiple rounds were fired by the homeowner and the homeowner struck one of the burglary suspects,” Hamilton said to reporters.
Concerning the second alleged intruder, Hamilton said officers followed a blood trail to the end. “We believe there were at least one or two additional suspects involved in this burglary that left the scene, following the shooting by the homeowner.”
The resident was questioned, though it is unlikely he will face charges.
A neighbor, Pat Walsh, told reporters he was not surprised by the shooting as burglaries have become a daily occurrence. “It’s a real problem here. The residents here are fed up.”
Walsh said that some have nicknamed the incidents “dinnertime burglaries.”
Hamilton acknowledged to reporters that there is a crime issue in the neighborhood. He said it is possible that the alleged perpetrators in this lethal incident may also be responsible for several other area burglaries.
A black BMW was recovered from the scene.