Man fights off 4 home invasion suspects; possibly tied to second crime in Santa Clarita

Authorities on Thursday were investigating two violent home invasions in Canyon Country.

The first home invasion was reported around 9 p.m. Wednesday in the 17000 block of Blue Aspen Lane, while a couple in their 60s was at home. The residents reported that three to four men broke into the home through the back and immediately began fighting with the male homeowner. The victims went to flee out the front door, yelling for help, when they were physically restrained by one or more suspects, deputies said. According to law enforcement at the scene, the suspects eventually gave up and left empty-handed, before driving off in a small sized sedan.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department treated the male homeowner for cuts and bruises at the scene, while deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department searched for the suspects.

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Less than two hours later, roughly four and a half miles away, a second home invasion was reported in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Deputies said that just before 11 p.m., three to four men entered a home in the 16700 block of Nearview Drive where an elderly woman was targeted. Similar to the first home invasion, the suspects broke in through the rear of the home. The victim, a female in her 70s, was in bed when she heard the sound of glass breaking. A male suspect allegedly entered her room, pointing a handgun at her and directed her not to move. The victim complied, deputies said. She could hear two additional suspects ransacking the house. After several minutes, the three suspects fled the location with several items that were stolen from the residence.

Investigators believe the two incidents could be connected.

Anyone with surveillance cameras in the area or may have been driving in the area near the time of the crimes is asked to contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station Detective Bureau at 661-255-1121 ext. 5146. Video footage may be emailed to SantaClaritaMedia@lasd.org.