Suspected Burglar Shot in 2nd Visit to Home

A man shot and critically wounded a suspected burglar early Sunday after the intruder broke into his home twice in two days, police said.

Daniel Fink, 48, was asleep in his home in the 19700 block of Victory Boulevard when he was awakened about 5:15 a.m. by noises coming from the front bedroom, said Los Angeles Police Det. Rick Swanston.

Grabbing a shotgun, Fink walked into the bedroom, where he saw a man picking up his television set, Swanston said.

Fink pointed the shotgun at the burglar, then ordered him to put down the television and walk to the living room, where he was to lie on the floor, the detective said.

With the shotgun trained on the burglar, Fink dialed 911 on his cellular phone, Swanston said, but was interrupted when the intruder jumped up from the floor and tried to grab the barrel of the weapon.

Fink fired two rounds, which struck the man in the upper torso. The man staggered outside and fell to the ground, where police found him when they arrived about 5:20 a.m.

Investigators learned that Fink’s home had been burglarized the day before. Property taken from the earlier crime was found in the intruder’s vehicle, which was parked a few houses away, Swanston said.

Fink was taken to the West Valley station for questioning and later released, Swanston said.

The suspected burglar, who has not been identified by police, was taken to a local hospital, where he was reported in critical condition.