Elderly Man Packing Heat Thwarts Axe-Wielding Burglar With One Shot

SAN JACINTO, CA- A 92-year-old San Jacinto man armed himself with a handgun for protection against an axe-wielding burglar and fired a shot at the intruder, who remained at large Monday, authorities said.

The senior citizen was in his house in the 1400 block of Chase Street, near Serena Drive, when he heard someone attempting to force entry into the residence shortly before 11 a.m. Sunday.

The suspect “tried to break into the victim’s home by smashing an exterior door with an axe,” said Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Craig McDonald.

He said the homeowner grabbed his pistol and walked back toward the front door, at which point one of the windows shattered and the would-be burglar attempted to crawl inside.

“Fearing for his safety, the homeowner fired one round from his handgun at the suspect,” McDonald said. “It is believed the suspect was not hit by the bullet. However, he immediately fled the scene, leaving behind the axe and several other items.”

The senior, who was not injured, called 911 and waited for deputies to arrive.

He did not get a close look at the suspect, describing him only as a man in his 20s with a dark complexion, according to McDonald.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the sheriff’s San Jacinto station at (951) 654-2702.

– By City News Service. Image via Shutterstock.