Irvine police were looking Monday for a man suspected of trying to burglarize two homes within six hours in the area of Harvard Avenue and Barranca Parkway.
The first attempt was about 11:35 p.m. Saturday, police said. The resident heard a noise on the second floor balcony, went to check it out and scared the suspect away, but he fired one round from a handgun which struck the outside of the residence, police said.
The second attempt was about 5 a.m. Sunday morning, but it wasn’t reported until later in the day after the resident reviewed home surveillance video, police said. The suspect had attempted to open the front door but no entry was made and he immediately left on foot.
The suspect is described as a man in his mid-20s of average height and build, with a dark complexion, believed to be armed with a handgun, police said.
The Irvine police department has increased patrols in the area and is investigating the attempts, police said. Anyone with information was asked to call Det. Victor Chang at 949-724-7432. Suspicious activity should be immediately reported to the dispatch center at 949-724-7200.