PASADENA >> A Pasadena man confronted a car burglar at gunpoint, fought with the alleged criminal and chased after him early Sunday before police arrested the suspect, authorities said.
Alfonso Vasquez, 20, of Pasadena was arrested on suspicion of burglary and taken to a hospital for treatment of an arm injury he suffered while fighting with the victim, Pasadena police Lt. John Luna said.
The victim, a 45-year-old Pasadena man, saw Vasquez breaking into his vehicle about 3:10 a.m. in the 800 block of North Catalina Avenue, Luna said.
The car owner went outside with a handgun and confronted the burglar, the lieutenant said.
Luna said the victim initially held the suspect at gunpoint, but a struggle between the two men ensued after the victim placed the gun in his pocket.
Vasquez ran from the area, Luna said. A neighbor who heard the struggle called police.
The victim chased after the fleeing man for several blocks before responding officers nabbed him, Luna said. The victim was not injured.
The incident was the second time in less than a week that an armed Pasadena resident confronted a burglar.
A Pasadena man discovered a man trying to break into his home Wednesday night in the 500 block of North Pasadena Avenue, Lt. Kelly Evans said.
The resident held the suspect at gunpoint until police arrived to arrest him.