Two men posing as sheriff’s deputies got the shock of their lives when they broke into the home of a former deputy and were immediately fired upon, Los Angeles officials said.
The men broke into two homes in separate Lancaster neighborhoods on Saturday night, NBC Los Angeles reported.
In the first attempted robbery, the men identified themselves as sheriff’s deputies and forced a father and son down onto the ground but then left without taking anything, the station said.
Minutes later, they forced their way into the home of a former deputy at the Lancaster Station of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
The homeowner fired shots at the suspects but missed, officials said.
Police still are searching for the men.
Officials warned residents to use caution when opening the door for a law enforcement official who isn’t in uniform.
“If it’s law enforcement, they’re going to have identifiers, like a uniform on (and badge),” said Los Angeles Sheriff’s Lt. Byron Wainie, NBC reported. “I would caution people to opening the door to total strangers.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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