Home invasion suspect shot and killed in California

FRESNO, Calif. -- A home invasion robbery in Merced County, California has left one man dead and two wounded.

Deputies say the intruders wanted marijuana, but ended up in a gun battle with the victims.

A mother, father, and adult son were inside the home off Franklin Road Monday morning when several people pulled up in a car and knocked on the front door claiming to have mechanical issues.

Moments later, police say the armed suspects forced their way inside, but one of the residents managed to grab a gun.

"Just shortly after 2 a.m., dispatchers with the sheriff's office received a frantic 911 call reporting a home invasion and shots fired," said Sgt. Delray Shelton of the Merced County Sheriff's Office.

A 29-year-old suspect was shot to death and a 27-year-old suffered serious injuries.

The 55-year-old homeowner was also wounded during the chaos.

"The male homeowner was also wounded and being treated at a local hospital and is expected to survive," said Sgt. Shelton.

Investigators believe the suspects picked the home because it's been known for marijuana sales.

Authorities investigated it in the past for serving as a medical marijuana dispensary, which is not allowed in Merced County.

"We used to have people just pull in our driveway and park to come over here. There were so many people coming and going, it wasn't funny," said neighbor Grant Ford.

Ford said he likes the family and thought the drug sales had stopped, but deputies say they did find several pot plants still growing inside the home.

Deputies said it's not clear if the victims could face any charges for the marijuana.

Right now, the county ordinance allows people to grow up to 12 plants per property. But the suspect who is in the hospital is expected to be booked when he recovers.