A Willow Creek man and his father got into a gunfight last night while defending the man's home from burglars. Both men were shot in the exchange; the father, 50, was killed. Here's the press release from the Sheriffs Office:
On 05-04-2011, 10:20 a.m. the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office responded to a residence in the 400 block of Sunset Place, Willow Creek in regards to a residential burglary. Deputies met with the homeowner who told them unknown suspect(s) had broken into their home when they were away during the last few days. The suspect(s) stole firearms and electronics from the victims' residence. The homeowner told the investigating deputy he had no idea who may have committed the crime.
On 05-05-2011, 1:00 a.m. the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office was notified of a shooting which occurred in the 400 block of Sunset Place, Willow Creek. Deputies and medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. The residence was the same home that deputies responded to and conducted a burglary investigation on May 4, 2011. [Continued]
When deputies arrived they located two victims, the resident and his father who had come over to spend the night in case the suspects returned. The 50-year-old father was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel, twenty five year old son was shot in the ankle and was treated on scene by medical personnel and released at the scene.
Deputies learned during their investigation the victims were concerned the suspects may return to their home to steal additional items. The son and his father armed themselves in case the suspect(s) returned. At approximately 1:00 a.m. several suspects showed up at the residence. The son and father confronted the suspects and shots were exchanged. The suspects fled the scene; at least one suspect is believed to have been shot during the firefight. Detectives are currently on scene executing a search warrant at the residence. Detectives located a stolen 2006 Toyota Silver pickup truck in the driveway of the residence, which they believed the suspects drove to the scene.
Anyone with information regarding this case is requested to contact the Sheriffs Office immediately and ask for Detective Rich Schelisger 707-268-3642 or Detective Steve Quenell 707-268-3646.
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