Van Nuys Homeowner Shoots Alleged Intruder
VAN NUYS (CBSLA.com) — A man remained hospitalized Tuesday after police say he was shot by a homeowner during a robbery attempt.
The shooting happened around 11:15 p.m. Monday in the 6200 block of Matilija Avenue in Van Nuys, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Authorities said a man found the suspect in his home, a struggle ensued and several shots were fired.
The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Grachia Nalbanyan, was wounded in a hip and transported to a hospital.
Nalbanyan has been booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. He's being held at the Men's Central Jail, where he's now being treated for his gunshot wounds and is expected to recover.
The LAPD says Nalbanyan has an extensive criminal record and is on federal probation for possession of firearm. He's being denied bail because the alleged break-in was a violation of his probation.
Neighbors, meanwhile, say the incident is causing them to rethink their sense of security in the area, with at least one resident claiming to have heard part of the confrontation.
"My wife, who was upstairs, came down and said she heard two gunshots. She was sure she heard two gunshots," Ted Geldberg said. "[You start] maybe thinking about alarms, locking the gates, stuff like that. We leave the doors open at night for cool air. Well now you think maybe we shouldn't do that," he explained.
The couple is not alone.
"I make sure the house is totally locked up at night and the alarm is always on," Louisa Howard said. "In fact, I keep the alarm on during the day when I'm home."
