A Hollywood Hills homeowner shot and inured his neighbor who broke into his home and refused to leave during what authorities are calling a mental ‘episode’.
Tuesday morning officers responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon at the 2200 block of Chelan Place – near the popular Runyon Canyon Park.
Official report
Police said the neighbor was possibly experiencing a mental episode when the homeowner confronted the subject in front of his residence and an argument ensued.
The neighbor, identified as ‘Alex,’ shattered the back window of a Porsche then forcibly entered his neighbor’s home, reported KTLA.
Los Angeles Police Department said, ‘The homeowner retreated into his own residence, but the subject followed him and forced his way through the front door.’
When asked to leave, the subject did not, and the homeowner retrieved a handgun. The subject advanced towards the homeowner and, in fear for his safety, the homeowner shot the subject.’
Alex was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injures and the homeowner was released after questioning by the police.
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It is unclear what prompted Alex to smash the car window, but a man named Steve Costello had traveled from Las Vegas to purchase a Mercedes from the suspect.
‘He was going through some kind of emotional stuff. He told me his dad passed away and that’s why he was selling the house and his car,’ Costello said.
Witness’s statement
A neighbor said Alex suffers from mental illness and drug abuse.
‘The concerns are that he’s mentally unstable. He really needs help and there’s been repeated instances where he’s cried for help, so to speak, so this seems like another one,’ she said.
