Newport Coast homeowner opens fire at suspects during targeted home invasion; 1 dead

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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – A Newport Coast homeowner took matters into his own hands after authorities said two suspects broke into his multi-million dollar home with his family inside early Tuesday morning. 

Officials with the Newport Beach Police Department said they received a call around 4:45 a.m. regarding a possible home invasion in a gated and affluent neighborhood off Pelican Hill Road and Newport Coast Drive. The caller also stated they shot one of the suspects. 

When officers arrived at the scene, they found one of the suspects lying in the street with a handgun and was suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to an area hospital where he continues to be treated. His condition is unknown. 

Investigators also discovered a second suspect was involved and prompted a search.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department assisted with the investigation and their helicopter located a second suspect hiding in the bushes. 

A short time later, they found he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. 

Investigators believe the family was targeted and that they knew at least one of the suspects, which is why they may have been able to get access to the home.  

"I just want to assure the Newport Beach residents that this is a safe community," said Newport Beach PD Sgt. Steve Oberon. "It was a targeted incident. We know that there is a relationship between the two suspects and the victims/the residents."

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Authorities are unable to say how the thieves got into the high-security gates at the neighborhood.

"It is a safe community, especially up in the Newport Coast in a guard-gated community," said Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill. "This is shocking. If you come into Newport Beach to commit a crime, we will defend ourselves, and today is an example of that."

Some residents who live in the area say this case is shocking.

"It’s just totally unique to this neighborhood," said Don Danks. "We’ve never had anything like this at all. I’ve lived here for 30 years."

Sources tell Fox 11 police were called to this same, gated Newport Beach neighborhood within the last few weeks for another home break-in at a different home.

"People feel compelled now that they can take over people's personal property; it’s lawlessness," said Roseann DiCostanzo, a nearby resident and the Orange County chair of New California State. "We’re not putting up with any more of this stuff. I personally am taking training to make sure I know how to use my Second Amendment rights. If a homeowner felt threatened that their life was in danger, have a party."

A spokesperson from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office tells FOX 11 this case hasn’t been handed to them from Newport Beach police.

Newport Beach PD added this was an isolated incident and the safety of the community remains their top priority.

FOX 11's Matthew Seedorff contributed to this report.