A home burglary in San Anselmo, California, turned into a neighborhood shelter-in-place order after police said a victim confronted a suspect inside a residence and was struck with a handgun.
The incident happened Monday evening on Island Drive. According to SFGATE, police received a burglary report at 5:39 p.m. and found a victim with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said no shots were fired. The suspect was seen fleeing east on Island Drive on foot, and investigators later said he may have left the area in a vehicle as officers were arriving.
The case moved quickly from one residence to a wider neighborhood response, with multiple agencies, a drone, a K-9 unit, and a shelter-in-place order that lasted for several hours.
The Victim Confronted The Suspect Inside The Home
The Central Marin Police Authority said the victim reportedly confronted the suspect after he entered the residence. Police said the victim was struck with a handgun and received medical attention.
For homeowners, the frightening part is how fast a burglary can become dangerous when someone inside the home comes face to face with an armed suspect. Getting out safely and calling 911 is safer than trying to stop someone who may have a weapon.
Police Searched The Neighborhood For Hours
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Officers from San Rafael and Novato responded to help surround the neighborhood. Police ordered nearby residents to shelter in place while officers searched the area with a drone and K-9.
The shelter-in-place order was lifted at 8:45 p.m., but police said the suspect remained at large.
The Suspect Was Last Seen Wearing A Mask
Police described the suspect as a white man in his 30s with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black mask and a black hooded sweatshirt.
Authorities asked anyone with information to call the Central Marin Police Authority at 415-927-5150.
For residents anywhere, a burglary search near home means staying inside when police issue a shelter order, keeping doors locked, checking on children and pets, and reporting anything suspicious without stepping into the search area.