A group of masked burglars forced their way into a home in Studio City, with one of the suspects allegedly using bear spray on a neighbor who confronted them outside.
The bold heist occurred shortly after noon on May 8 at a residence located on the 4200 block of Denny Avenue, according to a report from KTLA. At the time, the homeowners were not present.
Alerted by their security system to the ongoing break-in, the homeowners quickly contacted police and informed their neighbor, Steve Calabro, about the situation.
Calabro hurried to the scene to investigate. Meanwhile, security footage captured the masked intruders prowling through the house, pausing now and then to listen for any signs of occupants.
“One guy came out, saw me, and raised his hands like he had a gun,” Calabro recounted to KTLA. “I said, ‘You don’t have a gun!’ and he panicked and ran to the getaway car.”
The second suspect reportedly then charged directly at Calabro.
“He ran towards me and pulled out a giant can of bear spray and just nailed me with it,” Calabro added.
Even while suffering from the burning spray, Calabro continued taking photos of the fleeing suspects and their getaway car — a white Kia sedan with blacked-out windows and California license plate 9JZZ583.
“You just get mad that somebody’s coming into your neighborhood,” he said. “The [homeowners] have kids. These guys have to be stopped.”
Calabro said the homeowners had already called 911, but police did not arrive for at least an hour.
The shocking attack is just the latest in a string of burglaries that have plagued homes and businesses throughout the San Fernando Valley in recent months.
The suspects remain at large.
