OC Homeowner Shoots Burglar; Second Suspect Kills Self: Police

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — A homeowner shot and wounded one of two people who entered his home in Newport Beach early Tuesday, according to police, who said the second intruder took his own life with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Officers went to the neighborhood near Newport Coast Drive at about 4:45 a.m., the Newport Beach Police Department reported. According to police, the two people entered the residence in what investigators believe was a targeted attack, and the homeowner fired shots at them, striking one of the intruders.

``We know that there is a relationship between the two suspects and the victims, the residents,'' Sgt. Steve Oberon told reporters at the scene.``It was a home invasion. Whether it was a robbery or what their other intentions are, I don't know at this time.''

The suspect who was shot by the homeowner was found lying in the street outside the residence with a handgun and was taken into custody, police said, adding he was brought to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. He is expected to survive.

Officers found the second suspect in nearby bushes with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to police, who said he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The names of the suspects were not immediately available.

All four people from inside the home — a man, two women and a child — were safely evacuated with no injuries, police said. It was unclear which person fired the shots.

``I can tell you right now, if you come into Newport Beach to commit a crime, we will defend ourselves, and today is an example of that,'' Newport Beach Mayor Will O'Neill said.

An Orange County Sheriff's Department SWAT team was also called in, and the investigation was continuing Tuesday morning.

The incident was contained with no threat to the community as of about 9:40 a.m., according to police.

Newport Coast Drive was closed due to the police activity but all lanes had reopened by 1 p.m., police said.

City News Service contributed to this story.