Burglars Use Bear Spray During Studio City Home Break-In

Residents in a quiet Studio City neighborhood were left shaken after a daytime burglary escalated into a violent confrontation involving bear spray on May 8.

According to surveillance footage captured at a home on the 4200 block of Denny Avenue, two masked suspects broke into the residence shortly after noon while the homeowners were away. The family’s security system quickly alerted them to the intrusion, prompting them to contact police and warn nearby neighbors.

One of those neighbors, Steven Calabro, rushed over to check on the property after receiving a text from the homeowners. By the time he arrived, the suspects were still inside the home.

Video from the scene showed the burglars moving cautiously through the residence, appearing to listen for signs that someone might still be inside. Moments later, the suspects exited the home and encountered Calabro waiting outside.

Calabro told KTLA that one suspect raised his hands as if pretending to point a gun at him.

“One guy came out, saw me and raised his hands like he had a gun,” Calabro said. “I said, ‘You don’t have a gun!’ and he panicked and ran to the getaway car.”

As the second suspect emerged from the home, the confrontation intensified. Calabro attempted to photograph the suspects for evidence, but the second man reportedly charged toward him and sprayed him directly in the face with a large can of bear spray.

“He ran towards me and pulled out a giant can of bear spray and just nailed me with it,” Calabro said.

Despite the painful effects of the spray, Calabro continued taking photos as the suspects fled the area in a white Kia sedan with blacked-out windows. The vehicle reportedly carried California license plate number 9JZZ583.

Calabro said his frustration stemmed from seeing criminals target families in the neighborhood.

“You just get mad that somebody’s coming into your neighborhood,” he said. “The homeowners have kids. These guys have to be stopped.”

The incident is the latest in a growing series of burglaries and property crimes reported across the San Fernando Valley in recent months. Neighbors in Studio City say the attack has heightened concerns about bold daytime break-ins and increasingly aggressive tactics used by suspects.

According to Calabro, although the homeowners contacted 911 immediately after receiving the security alert, police did not arrive for at least an hour.

As investigators continue searching for the suspects, residents in the area remain on edge, worried the burglars could strike again.

Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-527-3247.

Source: KTLA