Man Shoots Teen Caught Stealing His Tires In LA County

NORTH HILLS, CA — A 17-year-old remained hospitalized Monday after being shot by a North Hills resident who caught him stealing his tires, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The boy had stable vital signs as of Monday afternoon, said Los Angeles Department Police Officer David Cuellar.

According to police, a 46-year-old man saw three people removing the wheels from his vehicle parked in at Gledhill Street and Gloria Avenue at about 12:30 a.m. Monday.

"Basically, the victim observed the suspect as well as additional unknown suspects tampering with and removing tires from his vehicle," Cuellar said. "The victim confronted the suspects, which is when the victim shot toward the suspects."

According to authorities, a tool the suspect was holding may have been mistaken for a weapon.

"The victim in this case was questioned by detectives and released," Cuellar said.

Two other suspects escaped and had not been arrested as of late Monday.