LOS BANOS, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — A violent home invasion is rocking residents in Los Banos.
“It was very scary,” Sergio Juarez tells Action News. He says the neighborhood is usually quiet.
But overnight, residents heard gunshots as police say five armed men forced their way into a home at Edward Street near San Luis Street.
“At least four people inside the residence, and, thankfully, none of them were injured,” Police Chief Ray Reyna said.
The homeowner approached the intruders with a gun he legally owns,” Reyna said. It led to an exchange of gunfire.
“The homeowner did arm himself and was able to shoot two of the suspects – two of the five suspects, injuring them,” he said.
Scanner audio captured the injuries as police responded.
“One patient will have a (gunshot wound) to the leg, the second patient (gunshot wound) to the stomach,” a dispatcher broadcast.
Those suspects are now in custody at a Modesto area hospital, where they are expected to survive.
Police are still searching for three others. They got out of the home through a bedroom window before escaping in a car.
The chief says he has reason to believe they are not from the area.
“One of the things we’re still investigating (is) trying to find out what the motive was,” Reyna said. “At this point, the investigation is ongoing. We’re still trying to sort through all the information, the details, (and) gather evidence.”
As kids played in the neighborhood hours later, Action News saw visible reminders of the violence.
A gate appeared stained by a bloody handprint. The eerie scene is wedged in between a row of homes.
“I moved here because it was a safe neighborhood,” Juarez said. “But looking at it right now, it’s very scary.”
Chief Reyna is now working to reassure residents, saying there is no outstanding threat to the community.
But the violence is still too close for comfort.
“We have an alarm. We got everything. But, I mean, that’s not enough, “Jaurez said. “We need maybe more police presence right here.”
Police are asking the public for information.
