A Gilbert homeowner shot a suspected intruder early Tuesday, according to police. The suspected intruder, Richard Lopez, 24, knocked on the front door of a Gilbert home at 10:15 a.m., according to Gilbert police Sgt. Mark Marino.
When the unidentified homeowner did not answer the door, Lopez kicked it to the ground. As Lopez entered the home located near the intersection of Riggs and Higley roads, the homeowner shot him in the face and torso, Marino said. Lopez was able to flee the scene and enter a waiting vehicle.
Lopez’s brother, Mark Vega, 18, drove the suspect to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center where they were intercepted by Gilbert Police, Marino said. Lopez was later transported to Scottsdale Healthcare Osborne by an ambulance to be treated for non-life threatening injuries while Vega was arrested.
Police suspect the brothers, both of Coolidge, were attempting to rob the homeowner, Marino said. The homeowner did not know who the men were or why they were trying to enter his home, according to reports.
Marino said the brothers have not been connected to a Chandler home invasion near Ray and Cooper roads on Nov. 26 when a homeowner was shot in the shoulder by two unidentified suspects. However, authorities are investigating any connections to other East Valley burglaries, Marino said.
