Newport Beach homeowner shoots intruder, SWAT team responds
A Newport Beach homeowner shot one of two intruders who entered his home during an alleged targeted home invasion Tuesday morning.
Authorities said the second intruder was found dead outside with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Newport Beach Fire Department and Newport Police Department responded around 4:45 a.m. to the home located on Vista Luci in the gated Pelican Heights community for reports of shots being fired.
SkyCAL flew over the scene around 7 a.m. and could see SWAT officers outside the home.
Police said the two suspects entered the home in what investigators believe to be a targeted attack, and the homeowner fired shots at them.
"We know that there is a relationship between the two suspects and the victims, the residents," said Sergeant Steve Oberon during a news conference. "It was a home invasion. Whether it was a robbery or what their other intentions are, I don't know at this time."
The suspect who was shot by the homeowner was found outside the residence in possession of a firearm and taken into custody, police said. He was hospitalized for treatment.
Officers began searching for the second suspect, and he was found in the bushes outside of the apartment with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The names of the suspects were not released.
Following the incident, Newport Beach Mayor Will O'Nell shared a message on X.
"I have a message for those who would come to our City to commit crime," his post said. "We will defend ourselves."
Both directions of Newport Coast Drive between Ocean Ridge and Ridge Park were closed Tuesday morning due to police activity.
Residents were shocked to find themselves in the midst of what appeared to be something straight out of an action movie when they woke up.
"It was pretty crazy this morning," said one resident who wished not to share her identity. "My daughters are the first ones who were saying, 'What's going on?' Cause there was helicopters and they could hear them shouting."
An Orange County Sheriff's Department SWAT team was also called in. The investigation is ongoing.
