Would-Be Robber Shot With Own Gun by Victim, Flees

A would-be robber got an unpleasant surprise Tuesday night when his intended victim stole his gun and shot him, chasing the thief out of his house, police said.

About 6:30 p.m. the robber knocked on a man’s door in the 12000 block of Evergreen Street, said Lt. Joe Valento.

When his intended victim--a man in his mid-30s whose name was not immediately released--opened the door, the robber pulled a gun and forced his way inside, Valento said.

The robber then bound the victim with tape, Valento said.

The robber put his gun down to free his hands and turned, believing he had the victim securely trussed up. But the victim managed to free himself and grabbed the gun, firing one shot at the robber, who immediately fled, running north on nearby Burbank Boulevard, Valento said.

Patches of blood at the scene indicate that the robber was hit by the shot, possibly in the back, Valento said. The robber also left behind a shoe, he added.

“We’re looking for Cinderella with a possible bullet wound,” Valento joked.

Valento said there are no plans to bring charges against the victim for the shooting.

Valento said not all citizens should try to take away a robbers’ gun.

“For the average person, the best thing to do is cooperate the best you can, and if you see some opening where you can take some action, do whatever you feel comfortable with,” Valento said. “But when somebody has a weapon on you, you don’t want to take any action that’s going to make the situation worse.”