In Vallejo, California, a city grappling with high crime rates, an incident occurred in which an armed civilian used a firearm to defend himself. When an intruder attempted to enter his home forcibly, the homeowner shot him.

The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. last Monday, at a home located not far from the local police department.

Vallejo police said the resident was home when a witness saw the suspect breaking into the home. Authorities say the resident confronted the male suspect and opened fire.

The suspect was found near the front door. Police said officers found him suffering from at least one gunshot wound at the residence.

"It’s extremely unfortunate of course that it happened around the corner from the police station, in the morning. It doesn’t make any sense," said Vallejo resident Athena Miller as she came across yellow crime-scene tape.

Miller said the deadly encounter is a grim reminder of the depths some people go to, to survive.

"I’m frustrated, you know? I mean you also have you think about why are people breaking into houses anyway? I mean people are desperate," Miller said.

Burglary suspect shot and killed by resident near Georgia & Monterey, per @VallejoPd. 4,5,6,7:30 p.m. @KTVU pic.twitter.com/23eCxAdyC5

— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) November 6, 2023

The intruder had attempted to gain entry into the home by breaking through the glass front door. The authorities have deemed the homeowner’s response to be an act of self-defense.

Residents in the community had some strong reactions to the story. One neighbor believes the intruder was known for engaging in rowdy behavior in the area. "He yells and screams and is aggravated and you know pretty scary at times, you know, pretty aggressive," the individual told reporters.

Vallejo’s crime situation puts this incident in a disturbing context given the broader pattern of violence and property crime in the area. The city’s violent crime rate is among the highest in the nation. Residents of the city have a one in 104 chance of becoming a victim of violent criminals. To provide perspective, the chances of becoming a violent crime victim in the entire state of California is one in 227.

Property crimes are also quite common in Vallejo. Residents have a one in 29 chance of becoming the victim of this type of activity, whereas the rate for the entire state is one in 43.

This is yet another case that raises questions about safety and self-defense, especially in an area with high crime and a state with some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation. In this homeowner’s case, he might have been able to jump through the onerous and unnecessary hoops that California places in front of those seeking to defend themselves. But unfortunately, many lack the time, money, or other resources to comply with these laws, which only gives violent criminals more of an advantage when they are seeking to victimize citizens. It goes to show that those favoring more restrictions on firearms are more concerned with taking their guns than with coming up with solutions that will actually keep people safe.