An armed intruder fatally shot by a San Jacinto homeowner had attacked a woman before entering the house, authorities said Monday.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Office homicide investigators have learned the suspect, 45-year-old Ismael Martiniez of San Jacinto, had assaulted his 52-year-old girlfriend with a knife, sheriff’s officials said.
The woman was found in a vehicle near the scene where the homeowner confronted and shot Martinez at around 10:30 p.m. Friday in the 1300 block of Heron Way, sheriff’s officials said. She was taken to a hospital by ambulance and had stable vital signs.
Homicide investigators said the owner of the home was visiting a neighboring residence when he heard screaming and the sound of gunfire coming from his home. The homeowner ran to his residence and saw an intruder inside armed with a shotgun, authorities said. The homeowner subsequently armed himself and confronted the suspect inside the residence, according to the sheriff’s department.
During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly fired multiple rounds at the homeowner and the homeowner returned fire, striking the suspect. Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene.
No additional injuries were reported, and it was unclear if anyone was inside the home when the suspect allegedly broke in.
There was no indication that either Martinez or his girlfriend had any relation to the Heron Way residence, the sheriff’s office said.
The homeowner was taken to the sheriff’s San Jacinto station for further investigation.
No arrests were made, but the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office was expected to review the case.
Anyone with additional information was encouraged to contact investigator Cook at 951-955-2777.