Chico, California

From the Chico Enterprise-Record of April 5, 2007

Victim fires back in Chico home invasion robbery

The sixth home invasion robbery reported to Chico police since December victimized a 54-year-old man in the 1100 block of East Lindo Avenue Tuesday night.

The resident, who isn't being named for his safety, told police he was awakened by a masked man who shined a flashlight in his face, just after 10:30 p.m.

The suspect reportedly displayed a handgun and took cash from the man's wallet.

As the suspect fled, the victim retrieved a handgun and fired two shots into the air.

Chico police Sgt. Dave Barrow said the suspect got in through an unlocked window. He said the description of the man, and the costume-style mask he wore, match that of suspects in similar robberies.

The perpetrator was said to be about 5-foot-8, with a slender build, and wearing a Halloween fright mask

In Tuesday's robbery -- and the previous five going back to December -- victims were unable to tell the race of masked intruder.