PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — An early morning confrontation between a resident and an alleged thief in a Porterville neighborhood sent a person to the hospital.
Police say they were called out for reports of a burglary taking place on Date Avenue between Newcomb and Lotus streets and when they arrived they found a victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
Neighbors say this is very unusual for their area.
“I’ve been here for 17 years, and it’s been quiet getting along with all the neighbors and stuff and it was just a shock just to see what happened this morning,” says Peggy Ojeda who describes waking up to the sound of gunfire on Monday morning in her typically calm sub-division in Porterville.
Peggy explains, “I wasn’t too sure if it was shots or fireworks so when I got up this morning, I got out to go walking and when I got to the car, that’s when I saw the cop cars.”
Porterville police say they were called out to Date Avenue between Newcomb and Lotus streets just after 5 Monday morning for reports of two suspects stealing from cars.
Officers say a resident confronted one of them they started fighting and a suspect pulled out a gun and shot the victim.
One neighbor, who didn’t want to be identified, says the area is usually very safe.
“It’s really calm, it’s nice and people usually come here walking every afternoon or morning.”
The victim was taken to the hospital and is expected to recover.
But for residents like Peggy, and her neighbor there is a new concern about violent crime.
“Not knowing if something is gonna happen when I’m with my nieces,” says the local.
Officers detained both suspects and say there is no ongoing threat to the community.
This continues to be an ongoing investigation anyone with information is encouraged to call the Porterville Police Department.
