Intruder shot by homeowner in suspected home invasion

ONTARIO, Calif. (FOX 11) - A suspected home invader was listed in critical condition and undergoing surgery after being shot by a homeowner in Ontario early Tuesday morning, police said.

Ontario Police got the 9-1-1 call just after midnight at a residence near the 1800 block of North Parkside Court.

Officers arrived and discovered the alleged intruder, who was identified as Jose Andres Alfaro Chavez suffering from a gunshot wound, said Cpl. Fred Alvarez with the Ontario Police Department.

Chavez, also a resident of Ontario, was taken to a local hospital and was in surgery Tuesday morning, Alvarez said.

The homeowner, Arthur Corral, claimed to have fired three rounds from a .45 caliber handgun at Chavez after warning the intruder not to move.

Corral reported to police that he was concerned for the five children, including a 5-month-old baby, that were in the home when he first encountered Chavez.

"I believe in the right to bear arms, that's pretty much it. You have to defend your family - you have to defend yourself." Corral said.

Corral is currently cooperating with Ontario police investigators, Alvarez said.