KEY POINTS

  • Home invaders who posed as deputies got into a gunfight with a Tulare County homeowner
  • The family knew that they were not deputies after they busted their front door and they were not wearing uniform
  • One of the suspects was killed after being shot in the upper body

A group of home invaders who thought they could trick a Tulare County family by posing as deputies turned out to be a complete failure.

The incident happened late Tuesday when the homeowners were surprised – and disturbed – to hear a someone banging at their door, shouting “Sheriff's Office.” The family had no idea at first, but it was the invaders' attempt to let them in.

“The victims thought it was odd that it was late hours, so the suspects then forced their way into the living room area, they busted the front door,” Tulare County Sheriff Lieutenant Joe Torres told ABC 30.

police line
Representational Image Larry W. Smith/Getty Images

It was at this point that the occupants knew that they weren't deputies since they were not wearing uniforms. The homeowner and invaders then began shooting at each other, the added outlet.

One of the suspects was killed after being shot at the upper body while the other suspects ran away.

Torres added that it was a case of a “home invasion that went terribly wrong.”

“There were four people in the residence, along with a 13-year-old that could have all been killed if it wasn't for the homeowner taking action,” he said.

Authorities will not disclose the motive of the crime and the identity of the killed suspect until the autopsy, which is scheduled on Thursday, has been completed, said ABC News.

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