Visalia homeowner shoots suspected vehicle burglar

A Visalia man is recovering in the hospital after being shot. Once he's recovered he'll be handcuffed and booked into jail on suspicion of vehicle burglary, police said.

Officers were called just after 3:30 a.m. to a home in the 600 block of East Oakridge Court. Witnesses told police there had been a shooting in the area.

When officers arrived, they learned 37-year-old Nicholas Wilkerson had been shot. He was rushed to Kaweah Delta Medical Center.

Officers with Visalia's Violent Crime Unit were called to investigate. After interviewing several witnesses, detectives uncovered the motive behind the shooting, a burglary.

Witnesses told police Wilkerson was attempting to burglarize a vehicle parked in the driveway of the home when the homeowner caught him.

The owner was armed with a gun, Sgt. Kevin Kroeze said. The confrontation escalated and the homeowner opened fire.

Wilkerson was hit once. The injury was not life-threatening, Kroeze said.

Once Wilkerson is released from the hospital he is expected to be booked into Tulare County Pretrial Facility on suspicion of vehicle burglary.

The incident is being investigated by violent crimes detectives. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Henry Martinez at 713-4156.

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