Armed Neighbor Trades Gunfire With Possible Burglars

Tuesday afternoon, Kennewick police were called to the 3300 block of South Gum after a man had engaged in an exchange of gunfire with two young men he believed were trying to break in to his neighbor's home.

Around 4:30pm, Miguel Barajas told police he heard noises that led him to believe someone was trying to break into the home next door.  He armed himself and went to investigate. He said he saw two Hispanic youth, probably 16-18 years of age, running away from the neighbors.

They jumped into a tan or grey late model Honda sedan, and as they drove towards Barajas at slow speed, one of them fired one shot from a gun at him.  Mr. Barajas returned fire.  He was not hit, police didn't say if he hit the suspect vehicle. The car then sped away.

An investigation is now underway, more information expected to be released soon.