It'll be interesting to see how this pans out...

[Dingotech]

From today's LA Times Online:

Burglary suspect shot by resident in Mar Vista
10:24 AM | May 3, 2009


A man suspected of burglarizing cars in the Mar Vista area was shot in the face by a resident early this morning, police said.

The man was breaking into vehicles when he was confronted by a resident at about 1:40 a.m., said Los Angeles Police Sgt. Dennis Beacham.

"He was subsequently shot and sustained a gunshot wound to the facial area," Beacham said. "It’s my understanding he’s in stable condition."

Police did not release the name or age of the victim, and would not say whether the resident who shot him was arrested.

-- Corina Knoll

[Jonathan Doe]

Burglary suspect is a "victim"????

[Lucky Scott]

I think its bad if he is outside your house.
Nowadays, not so great if he is inside either?

[CSACANNONEER]

Obviously the resident doesn't understand that it's better that there is only one story to tell. HIS! I just hope that he can prove that he was in fear of his life and responded properly. As far as the "victim" goes, I hope he gets a fatal infection while in the hospital!

[Alexjr1967]

Burglary suspect is a "victim"????

Yes... Of his own stupidity... But it'll be interesting to hear the outcome... Was he in the owners driveway or out front in the street?

[The SoCal Gunner]

My guess is shooter will goto jail and "victim" will file suit and get some money.

[Dingotech]

I can only hope that the burgler attacked the resident or made a threatning move or something like that and that a witness can coroborate.

[Fate]

Wonder if it was a shotgun loaded with birdshot.

[Dingotech]

Not much of an update:

[Updated: 5:33 p.m. Two young men accompanying the suspected burglar fled before police arrived, Los Angeles Police Officer Rosario Herrera said. The shooting occurred in the 3800 block of Beethoven Street, and the gunshot victim was taken to a local hospital where he was in stable condition, Herrera said.

“The shooter wasn’t arrested, it was in self-defense,” Herrera said.]

[k0ncept]

Hell yes! Because they know they wont get a conviction if they arrested you for shooting someone who was trying to jack your car..

I want to see what they charge the suspect with..

[2ATom]

Who is this shooter anyways? why is the thief still alive? omg what was he shooting with a BB gun?

[swerv512]

that's what happens when you leave a criminal standing....

[SimpleCountryActuary]

Not much of an update:

[Updated: 5:33 p.m. Two young men accompanying the suspected burglar fled before police arrived, Los Angeles Police Officer Rosario Herrera said. The shooting occurred in the 3800 block of Beethoven Street, and the gunshot victim was taken to a local hospital where he was in stable condition, Herrera said.

“The shooter wasn’t arrested, it was in self-defense,” Herrera said.]

Ah So! It was three bad guys and one homeowner. And that's not too far from Beethoven Elementary School. And Beethoven is a highly travelled street despite going by a school. (Walgrove has more traffic and, of course, Centinella has much more.)

[Turbinator]

3 vs 1 can be a case for "I was in fear of my life".. Hope any potential charges for the resident remain clear and out of sight.

Turby

[glockman19]

Not much of an update:

[Updated: 5:33 p.m. Two young men accompanying the suspected burglar fled before police arrived, Los Angeles Police Officer Rosario Herrera said. The shooting occurred in the 3800 block of Beethoven Street, and the gunshot victim was taken to a local hospital where he was in stable condition, Herrera said.

it was in self-defense Herrera said.]

The California Constitution clearly allows one to defend self, protect property and obtain safety Looks like he was exercizing his "Inalieable Rights" under the California Constitution.

CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1 DECLARATION OF RIGHTS


SECTION 1. All people are by nature free and independent and have
inalienable rights. Among these are enjoying and defending life and
liberty, acquiring, possessing, and protecting property, and pursuing
and obtaining safety, happiness, and privacy.

Congratulations to the person who defended himself while protecting his property obtaining safety with a common tool of self defense.

The buddies that ran away will think twice before trying to jack someone.