Police: 'Homeowner Shot Christmas Burglar After Being Assaulted With A Wrench'
ANAHEIM HILLS (CBSLA.com) — Detectives investigated the circumstances surrounding a residential burglary Thursday that took place in Anaheim Hills.
According to the Anaheim Police Department, officers received a call around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday about a burglary in progress at a home located in the 8300 block of East Quiet Canyon Court in Anaheim Hills.
Officers said a homeowner reported a male with a ski mask attempting to break into a downstairs window of his home.
Before officers arrived on scene, the suspect fled on foot and was not located during an area search, authorities said.
Around 3:30 a.m. Thursday, authorities received a second call reporting a masked burglar inside a home located in the 900 block of Country Glen Way, which is about a half-mile away from the initial call location.
Police said the burglar allegedly assaulted the homeowner with a wrench during the fight, and proceeded to flee on foot as the homeowner followed with a shotgun.
"The resident fired one shot, and struck the suspect who continued to flee on foot," said Lt. Bob Dunn.
Officers were able to locate the suspect — Jeremy William Bell, 29, of Fullerton — shortly before 5 a.m., inside the garage of a home located in the 1000 block of South Country Glen Way.
Bloodhounds and a K-9 unit assisted in the search for Bell, who was taken into custody without incident.
He was transported to a hospital for treatment of relatively minor injuries sustained to his back, which appear to be related to the buckshot fired by the male resident, officers said.
Bell will be booked on robbery and additional charges as determined by the investigation following his release from the hospital.
CBS2's Greg Mills spoke to the homeowner who had the altercation with the suspect.
"Here it is, 3 o'clock on Christmas morning, and I have some psychopath in my garage," said Nathaniel Blair. "He has a wrench and who knows what else."
Blair added, "My only thought was just making sure this guy couldn't hurt my family."
The homeowner said he didn't need medical attention.
