San Diego
A uptown resident shot and killed a transient who apparently was attempting to break into his apartment through a bathroom window Friday, authorities said.
Mark Kipling Emerson, 35, died at UCSD Medical Center from a single gunshot wound to the chest, said Deputy Coroner Charles Kelley.
David Szabo, 26, told police he was awakened at 3:30 a.m. by someone outside his apartment on the 2000 block of 4th Avenue, San Diego Police Lt. Gary Learn said.
Szabo saw a man in the narrow walkway next to his bathroom window and asked his girlfriend to call police, Learn said. After arming himself with a handgun, Szabo approached the bathroom and found Emerson trying to crawl in through the window, which had been closed, Learn said.
Szabo fired once, striking Emerson, who ran a short distance then collapsed in the street, Learn said. Emerson was taken to the hospital, where he died less than an hour later.
Police found a prying tool outside the window, and homicide detectives are investigating the incident, Learn said. Szabo was not arrested.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
