Deputies: Burglary Suspect Shot, Killed By Lancaster Resident After Entering Home

LANCASTER (CBSLA) — Authorities Sunday continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of a burglary suspect in Lancaster.

The suspect, whose identity had not yet been revealed, was pronounced dead at the scene in the 45100 block of Loma Vista Drive early Sunday morning.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says deputies responded to the scene following a "burglary now, person shot" call.

When they arrived on scene, they located the man who had sustained one gunshot wound to the upper torso.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a family had been inside the home when they started hearing loud, banging noises.

Fearing for their safety, the resident of the home armed himself with a handgun and fired one shot striking the burglary suspect, whom authorities say had entered the home through an upstairs bedroom.

The resident is described as an ex-Marine and a father who said that he was protecting his children.

"I guess it startled him but he grabbed his gun and was following the guy down the stairs yelling 'stop, stop' and they got down toward the bottom. The guy reached for a backpack. He was carrying a backpack. He reached in for it and that's when he let him have it," said neighbor Darrell Jones.

The man died at the scene.

Many on the street were stunned to hear that the same intruder had tried to get into their homes Sunday morning while they were inside.

Neighbors say the family had only lived in the home for about a year. They say they were good neighbors and hope this unfortunate ordeal won't drive them away.

"I would have done the same thing to protect my daughter and wife. He should have stayed home," said a neighbor.

Anyone with information about this incident was asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.