GRAND TERRACE, CA – A quiet neighborhood in San Bernardino County was rocked by gunfire Tuesday night when a homeowner defended his family from a home invasion. The dramatic incident left one suspect dead and another hospitalized, highlighting the ongoing concerns about safety and crime in the area.
Authorities say the incident unfolded around 9:18 p.m. when a resident reported that three intruders had broken into his grandparents’ home. Armed and fearing for his family’s safety, the homeowner opened fire, resulting in a deadly encounter that law enforcement is treating as self-defense.
The suspects fled the scene in a white sedan, but the night’s violence didn’t end there. Approximately ten minutes later, law enforcement received a report of an adult male seeking medical treatment at a nearby hospital. This man turned out to be one of the wounded intruders, now under police custody and facing serious charges upon his recovery.
The homeowner, who possessed a concealed carry permit, acted swiftly in the face of imminent danger. According to a statement from the family, the event was a harrowing ordeal that shattered their sense of security. “Home is where we should all feel the safest,” they expressed, voicing a sentiment that resonates with many who have experienced similar threats.
While the exact charges against the hospitalized suspect remain unspecified, authorities confirmed that he has a prior felony conviction from 2018 related to assault. Police have not disclosed whether the intruders were armed, but they are searching for a fourth suspect believed to be involved in the break-in.
Neighbors in the community, like Cat Smith, who was visiting family nearby, were startled by the sounds of gunfire. “We were just lying in bed when we heard loud banging sounds,” Smith recounted. The revelation that a neighbor had defended himself from intruders left many residents shaken yet relieved that no innocent lives were lost.
The incident has sparked discussions about self-defense rights and the responsibilities that come with gun ownership. The district attorney’s office is currently reviewing the case to determine the appropriate charges, if any, against the surviving suspects.
As the investigation continues, the neighborhood remains on edge, grappling with the reality of a violent event that disrupted their peaceful lives. The family involved has chosen to maintain their privacy, opting to release a statement rather than engage in public interviews.