Ceres home invasion suspect out of hospital, booked into jail

CERES -- David Lucas, who was shot twice by a homeowner during an apparent home invasion robbery attempt on Monday, has been released from the hospital and booked at the Stanislaus County Jail on the following charges: home invasion robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, auto theft, and violation of parole.

Ceres police said Lucas, 32, stole a car in the 800 block of Central Avenue about 2:30 p.m. Monday. Less than 15 minutes later, while driving nearby in the 2300 block of Millcreek Drive, Lucas saw a 69-year-old man working in his garage, said department spokeswoman Carissa Higginbotham.

Lucas sustained his injuries when he attempted to rob the man. The man shot Lucas once; then the two struggled briefly over the gun, police said. The homeowner regained control of the weapon and shot the suspect again. Bleeding from wounds to the arm and the buttocks, Lucas ran across the street and entered a neighbor's back yard, where officers found him.

Lucas was also found to have a no bail warrant out of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department for failure to report to a work release program.

This case has been forwarded to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.