Victim Fights Off Home Invasion Robbers With Knife
SANTA ANA (CBS) — Two brazen home invasion robbers broke into a Santa Ana home Tuesday demanding gold and cash but were surprised to find the residents were less than willing to comply.
"I woke up to find somebody pointing a gun at me saying to get up or he'll shoot me," said the resident, who asked to only be identified as Robert.
The robbers demanded Robert, his brother and his friend were at home when the robbers came barging in through the back door. His parents were out of town.
The suspects, both documented gang members, ransacked the home and accidentally fired the gun in the air.
"I really don't know what they were looking for -- my family doesn't own anything too valuable," Robert said.
Police said Robert's friend hid a kitchen knife in his clothing. When the suspects demanded the victims line up on the couch and with blankets on their heads, Robert's friend pulled out the knife and stabbed the suspect holding the gun.
The suspects took off in a car and police caught up with them a few blocks away.
"I know there's a lot of gang members in the area, so we deal with that, but this is different -- this is scary," said neighbor Gloria Vasquez.
Police said the suspect carrying the gun was a minor and he was transported to a local hospital with a stab wound to the abdomen. He was expected to make a full recovery.
Both he and the other suspect, 21-year-old Daniel Fernandez, face charges for assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery. Both charges carry gang enhancements.
