PANORAMA CITY : Man Shot During Alleged Truck Theft

A man caught trying to steal a pickup truck in Panorama City was shot in the thigh by the truck’s owner, who was ordering him to stop, police said Wednesday.

Philip Meza, 27, of Pacoima was treated and released at Holy Cross Medical Center after the shooting and arrested on suspicion of grand theft auto, police said.

The shooting occurred in the 8400 block of Ventura Canyon Avenue about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday after the pickup’s owner, whose name was not released, was alerted by a neighbor that someone was in his truck, Los Angeles Police Lt. Thomas Maeweather said.

The owner ran outside, saw a man in his truck and ordered him out. When the alleged thief did not comply the owner ran into his house, got a handgun and approached the truck again. Maeweather said the truck owner told police that the weapon accidentally discharged as he approached.