Masked burglars stormed a Studio City home before one suspect reportedly blasted a neighbor with bear spray when confronted outside.
The brazen daytime break-in unfolded just after noon on May 8 at a home on the 4200 block of Denny Avenue while the homeowners were away, reported KTLA.
The family’s security system alerted them to the burglary in progress, prompting them to call cops and warn neighbor Steve Calabro.
Calabro dashed over to investigate, while surveillance footage revealed the masked intruders creeping through the home, pausing to listen for any hint of someone inside.
“One guy came out, saw me, and raised his hands like he had a gun,” Calabro told the outlet. “I said, ‘You don’t have a gun!’ and he panicked and ran to the getaway car.”
The second suspect then allegedly charged straight at him.
“He ran towards me and pulled out a giant can of bear spray and just nailed me with it,” Calabro added.
Even while suffering from the burning spray, Calabro continued taking photos of the fleeing suspects and their getaway car — a white Kia sedan with blacked-out windows and California license plate 9JZZ583.
“You just get mad that somebody’s coming into your neighborhood,” he said. “The [homeowners] have kids. These guys have to be stopped.”
Calabro said the homeowners had already called 911, but police did not arrive for at least an hour.
The shocking attack is just the latest in a string of burglaries that have plagued homes and businesses throughout the San Fernando Valley in recent months.
The suspects remain at large.