2 suspects shot by deputies in Merced County during alleged home invasion, authorities say

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Cellphone video captured the chaotic scene that unfolded just after 2 a.m. Thursday when authorities say three armed men broke into an upstairs room at a Le Grand apartment building.

Investigators say when the first deputy arrived on scene, he went up to the second floor to make contact with the suspects who then allegedly opened fire.

"The suspects were actually inside the residence and when the deputy confronted them, the deputy saw that they were armed with firearms," Merced County Sheriff's Captain Aaron Rosenberg said. "He then ordered the suspect to drop the firearms and that's when the exchange of gunfire happened.

The deputy shot back and struck two of the suspects. Neighbors say they heard about six rounds fired.

"Remarkably, our deputy was not struck by gunfire," Rosenberg said. "When the deputy responded, he was actually with a trainee who is approximately two months on. They were the initial responding deputies."

Backup quickly arrived and within a few minutes following the exchange the suspects inside the apartment surrendered and Deputies were able to retrieve firearms-

All three suspects were taken into custody while two were taken to local hospitals.

It's unclear if there was anyone inside the room at the time of the break in.

"I've never seen anything like this, all the years I lived here," Le Grand resident Bart said.

The small community left rattled by the violence.

"We only have one store, one gas station and one barbershop. That's it," Bart said.

Action News has learned the building was renovated about a year ago and is now used as transitional or section eight housing and does house families--

We spoke with a woman who asked us not to show her face, she says she wasn't surprised as many neighbors have expressed safety concerns.

"It's a small town, everybody knows everybody here so it's something different," the woman said. "Different people that we have never seen in town here before. Different people that we have never met. Hearing this, I'm sure the whole town is a little concerned."

At this point, the identities of the suspects have not yet been released neither has their status.

The deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on routine administrative leave as the investigation continues.

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