Burglary Suspects Shot by Fair Oaks Homeowner

Updated Wednesday, Nov. 7, 11:47 a.m.

The homeowner who shot at two suspected burglars while in his home has been arrested, according to Sheriff's Department officials.

"Further investigation revealed that the homeowner who shot two intruders (Jerry Rasmussen, 60) is an ex-felon who was unlawfully in possession of the firearm he used at the time of this incident," said Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Ramos in an e-mail. "Mr. Rasmussen has since been booked into custody for that charge."

Original story:

One man is dead, another wounded following what Sacramento County Sheriff's Department officials are describing as an apparent attempted burglary at a home in Fair Oaks.

The incident unfolded early Wednesday on the 6900 block of Laurel Oak Way, when the owner of the Fair Oaks home awoke to find two men inside the residence around 2 a.m.

According to a report filed by Sheriff's officials, a preliminary investigation indicated an unknown man inside his home disturbed the homeowner, a man in his 60s. According to the report, the homeowner, armed with a handgun, fired at the suspect, who then fled from the home. The report also indicates that moments later the homeowner encountered a second male suspect in the doorway of one of the bedrooms, and shot at him before fleeing from his home to find help.

"He didn't know if this guy he shot at was armed; he just knew someone was in his home," said Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Ramos. "He wanted to separate from the house and call for help."

According to the report, deputies arrived on the scene around 2:30 a.m. and observed the male suspect in the doorway. The report indicates the suspect had been shot in the upper body and was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies later received information about a man, also in his 30’s, who had gone to a hospital for a gunshot wound. The man had been shot in the face, Ramos said.

According to the report, deputies responded to the call, and were able to determine that he was the suspect who fled the victim’s residence after being shot at. The suspect was detained for further investigation.

The report indicates evidence of forced entry to the victim’s residence, and burglary is believed to be the suspects’ motive for going to the victim’s home. The homeowner who shot both suspects remained at the scene and cooperated with detectives during the course of the investigation. At this time, no decision has been made regarding any criminal charges that the homeowner may incur as a result of this incident.

"I don't think the homeowner will be charged with anything in connection with this," Ramos said. However, Ramos indicated separate charges might be filed against the homeowner who is believed to be an ex-felon.

"He might be charged with an ex-felony in possession of a firearm," he said.

The identity of the deceased suspect will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s office after notification has been made to his next of kin.

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