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In a quiet Tarzana neighborhood, an alert neighbor became a local hero after scaring off masked prowlers with an unusual weapon—a paintball gun. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Tuesday and is part of a recent surge in burglaries across the San Fernando Valley.
Julian Harper Smith, the vigilant homeowner, noticed a suspicious silver SUV repeatedly cruising down Aura Avenue. Trusting his instincts, Harper Smith grabbed his powerful flashlight and paintball gun. The flashlight, a $700 device with 100,000 lumens, illuminated the entire block, creating the illusion that law enforcement had arrived. The prowlers, startled and likely believing they were caught, quickly fled the scene.
This was not an isolated event. The San Fernando Valley has experienced a string of burglaries recently, with over a dozen reported in nearby Encino. This latest attempted break-in adds to a growing list of crimes that have put residents on edge. Police suspect the incidents are connected but have yet to identify the group responsible.
Shortly after the prowlers fled, police spotted a silver SUV driving recklessly through Encino. A pursuit ensued, but the suspects managed to evade capture, ironically disappearing in the same neighborhood where many recent burglaries have occurred.
Back in Tarzana, Harper Smith's security measures—dozens of cameras and a quick response—proved invaluable. His actions not only protected his sleeping neighbor but also served as a stark warning to the would-be burglars. As Harper Smith explained, the paintball shots were meant to send a clear message: this neighborhood is on high alert.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) acknowledges the community's concerns but notes that burglaries in the area are down 17.3% compared to last year. Nevertheless, they have assigned a dedicated team of detectives to track down the culprits behind these crimes.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and preparedness. Harper Smith's swift actions may have prevented another home from being burglarized, and his creative use of a paintball gun adds a unique twist to this ongoing crime story.
Source: Fox LA
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