An armed intruder who shot a Lemon Grove man was killed by the victim’s father during a home invasion early Tuesday, police said.

A second robber escaped.

The wounded man, Francisco Suarez Jr., 22, is expected to survive, Sheriff’s Lt. Kenneth Nelson said.


He said it appears that the household was targeted by the robbers.

The name of the man who was killed was not released. Nelson said he appeared to be in his 20s.

The victim and his father, Francisco Suarez Sr., 44, told investigators that the two men came into their Edding Drive home, a cul-de-sac off Mount Vernon Street, about 2 a.m., Nelson said.

He said the intruders held the homeowner and his son at gunpoint. There was a struggle over a gun, and the homeowner’s son was shot once in the torso.


The homeowner shot one of the intruders, killing him, Nelson said.

Deputies came across the wounded son in the front yard and he told them his father was inside with one of the robbers.

The victim’s grandmother said her grandson’s condition is improving at a hospital.

“My condolences for that young man (who died) and his family,” said Irma Suarez in a telephone interview. “They are in my prayers.”


She said her son, the elder Suarez, and her grandson are the only two people who live in the Edding Drive house. She said her grandson has been studying to become a firefighter.

She said she does not believe the family knows the intruders.

Another grandson, Adrian Suarez, said he got a text message from his wounded brother, saying he’d been shot. He told video journalists that his brother first called 911, then sent the text message. Adrian Suarez drove to his father’s home and found the street swarming with deputies.

He said he doesn’t believe his brother was involved in anything associated with criminals “since he works six days a week, so it’s hard for him to even go out and talk to people.”


Deputies with guns drawn searched the neighborhood for the accomplice who escaped but didn’t find him.

No description of the man was released.