Intruder Shot by Invalid Dies of Wounds

An invalid, dependent on oxygen to treat his emphysema, shot an intruder who fled from the house but died seven hours later, Garden Grove Police said Wednesday.

Two suspected accomplices, including the intruder’s girlfriend, who had driven him to a hospital, later were arrested on suspicion of burglary, said Garden Grove Police Sgt. Bruce Beauchamp.

Kenneth Eugene Lewis, 22, of Garden Grove, died at 1:37 a.m. Wednesday at Medical Center of Garden Grove after undergoing six hours of surgery to repair his aorta, small bowel and colon, a hospital spokeswoman said. Lewis had suffered massive blood loss after being shot once in the left side, near the rib cage, and once in the left knee, she said.

A police spokesman Wednesday said there was no report that Lewis had been armed.

Beauchamp said Lewis had a record of arrests for assaults with deadly weapons, burglaries and possession of stolen property, dating back to when he was 17 years old.

Police declined to identify the 58-year-old man who shot Lewis, saying that he feared reprisals.

There was no response at the man’s home Wednesday afternoon, but a sign by the door, illustrated with a hand holding a gun, warned: “Never mind the dog. Beware of owner.”

Beauchamp said police were called at 6:20 p.m. Tuesday by the homeowner, who reported he had shot a burglar. The man told police he had been asleep when he was awakened by noises in the kitchen. He then armed himself with a .25-caliber automatic handgun, confronted Lewis and shot him twice, Beauchamp said.

“He (Lewis) apparently tried to make a break for it and that’s when he got shot,” Beauchamp said.

Lewis’ girlfriend, Carrie Ann Walker, 18, who listed the same address as Lewis, was arrested at the hospital, police said. Another friend, Lonnie William Lombard, 21, who also listed the same address, turned himself in to police at 11:50 p.m. Tuesday and was arrested on a suspicion of burglary. Police believe both were in the car at the time of the alleged burglary. They were booked at Orange County Jail and bond was set at $25,000, he said.

Charges ‘Doubtful’

Beauchamp said it was “doubtful” the burglary victim would be charged in the shooting, but said the case will go to the district attorney for review and final decision.

The homeowner, he said, is frail and requires a portable oxygen tank to treat his emphysema.