Homeowner Wounded, Suspects Sought In Gilroy Auto Burglary And Shooting
GILROY (CBS SF) -- Police are searching for suspects after a homeowner was wounded while interrupting an auto burglary in a Gilroy neighborhood early Friday, authorities said.
Gilroy police said officers were called around 2:53 a.m. were dispatched to the intersection of Hyde Park Drive and Victoria Drive for a report of suspicious subjects in the area. The area has been the scene of several local auto burglaries.
While en route to the call, officers learned that there were shots fired and a victim of a gunshot wound on scene.
The victim said he had confronted two subjects that were burglarizing a vehicle parked near the intersection. As he confronted them, a third suspect walked up and fired several shots, striking the victim in his leg. The suspects then fled on foot.
"During that confrontation, one of the suspects pulls out a guns, shoots multiple times, striking the victim," said Gilroy Police Department Spokesperson Sgt. Jason Smith.
The man who tried to stop the car burglary and ended up getting shot didn't even own the car in question.
"He was looking out for his neighborhood. He saw a crime and he decided to take action," said Smith.
Neighbor Jennifer Salcido heard two gunshots through her open bedroom window, then a frightened, frenzied call for help.
"I could hear the terror. I felt it in my gut. He was terrified -- maybe for his life -- it felt like," said Salcido. "The terror in his voice -- I could feel it in my bones. It's scary"
One of the suspects was quickly taken into custody. Two others were tracked to a nearby home where SWAT officers took them into custody. Another suspect was located and detained by detectives as he was walking on Princevalle Street.
"I saw three teenagers being arrested. All three of them were being held at gunpoint," said neighbor Leslio McKeown.
But as officers searched for the missing gun used in the shooting, the focus of their investigation would shift dramatically.
Three of the four teen suspects taken into custody were released. Police now say they're looking for two more men including the shooter.
The wounded man was taken to a local hospital for treatment and expected to recover.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Gilroy Police Department at 408-846-0350.
