MORENO VALLEY, Calif. (KNX) – A 93-year-old Moreno Valley man shot a suspect who broke into the man’s home, Riverside County deputies said.
On Wednesday just before 12:30 a.m., deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station went to the 24300 block of Eucalyptus Avenue for a reported burglary in process.
The homeowner, identified as Joe Howard Teague, told dispatch he had “several subjects at gunpoint.”
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found Joseph A. Ortega, 33, with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he is still in critical condition, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
One witness told investigators they saw several people running away following the shooting.
Oscar Malma, whose wife is related to Teague, told KABC 7 that Teague’s home had been broken into several times.
“He was tired because every time he calls the police, (they took) forever to come and assist him," Malma told the station. "He took the law into his own hands... He's been working all his life and whatever little things he has, he's (protecting)."
Teague was questioned by detectives and was released.
An investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with any information is urged to call Investigator Anderson of the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777 or Investigator Allen of the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station at 951-486-6700.
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