Police Say Intruder Shoots Homeowner During Botched Burglary In Encino

ENCINO (CBSLA.com) — A suspected burglar is on the loose after shooting an Encino resident, who caught the intruder in the act, police said.

The burglar broke into the victim's house in the 5200 block of White Oak Avenue shortly before 1 p.m. The resident was returning home to find the burglar and confronted him.

The thief armed with a Taser forced the victim to open his safe. There was a struggle, and the intruder shot the victim two times in a leg and took off, according to police.

It is unclear if the gun belonged to the burglar or the victim.

Neighbor Rona Paras said the 75-unit complex has a lot of older residents and is typically very quiet.

"Unbelievable. They're getting more gutsy. It's unfortunate. And people just need to be aware," Paras said.

Other neighbors said two younger men live in the unit that was burglarized. They wonder if it was a targeted crime or random.

Police pointed out that burglaries in the San Fernando Valley and citywide are up.

The victim was taken to a hospital and is stable.

Investigators described the suspect as a white male in his 20s with a slim build.