Elderly Veteran's Harrowing Ordeal in Studio City Home Invasion
A 79-year-old Vietnam War veteran became an unlikely hero on Friday morning after a terrifying confrontation with a deranged, naked intruder who forced his way into a Studio City home. The elderly man, identified by neighbours only as George, suffered two broken legs but managed to fatally shoot his attacker in what police are describing as a clear act of self-defence.
Chaotic Morning on Tujunga Avenue
The incident unfolded just after 7am on Tujunga Avenue, a quiet residential street near the 101 Freeway in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. According to LAPD Captain Warner Castillo, the suspect had been witnessed moments earlier wandering the neighbourhood naked, shouting incoherently and attempting to break into several homes.
Surveillance footage captured the disturbing scene of the naked man stumbling along the street, screaming and trying to open car doors before approaching the property. Witnesses described him as appearing to be in a psychotic or drug-induced state, banging on gates and shouting unintelligibly.
The suspect eventually forced his way into a residence where a woman, the 79-year-old veteran, and two other people were inside. Some of the occupants are believed to have been in wheelchairs, adding to the vulnerability of the situation.
A Desperate Struggle for Survival
Captain Castillo provided a detailed account of the confrontation to Fox News. The 79-year-old veteran warned the intruder, stating "I have a gun and I will shoot you". Despite this warning, the suspect grabbed the elderly man, lifted him, and threw him to the ground, resulting in two broken legs.
Despite being in agony from the brutal body slam, George managed to retrieve his firearm. "The suspect got shot one time and the suspect still approached the 79-year-old, shot the suspect again, killing him," Captain Castillo confirmed. Police later stated the rambling man was shot at least two or three times inside the home before collapsing.
One neighbour told ABC News, "I looked over, and the naked guy was on the ground, and the older guy was on the ground, and he shot him two more times."
Aftermath and Community Shock
Police arrived minutes later to find the suspect dead and the veteran critically injured. George was rushed to a local hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for his two broken legs. Captain Castillo expressed hope that the homeowner would "make it out of here without being in a wheelchair for the rest of his life", confirming his condition was stable following the operation.
The incident has deeply shaken the typically peaceful Studio City community, where neighbours awoke to the sound of gunfire and police sirens. Another resident revealed that the same naked man had been seen earlier trying to break into nearby homes, terrifying locals before finally forcing his way into the veteran's residence.
Police investigation revealed a Toyota Prius parked around the corner with the door open and a pile of clothes nearby, believed to belong to the attacker. The vehicle has been impounded as evidence.
The case will be presented to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, who will decide whether any charges will be filed. As neighbour Betsy Weiss told CBS News, "I think it's a textbook example of self-defence, and I really, really hope he does not face charges."
