APPLE VALLEY, CA — A homeowner in Apple Valley shot and wounded a man who allegedly tried to break into their residence early Thursday morning, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies were dispatched around 7:07 a.m. on October 23, 2025, to a home in the 14000 block of Osage Road following reports of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found 39-year-old Todd Johnson, an Apple Valley resident, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Investigators determined that Johnson had approached the residence and attempted to forcibly enter. One of the occupants, fearing for their safety, shot the suspect. Deputies and medical personnel rendered aid at the scene before Johnson was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities confirmed that Johnson will remain in custody while receiving medical care and will be booked for residential robbery once medically cleared. None of the home’s occupants were injured during the incident.
Family members later told Victor Valley News Group that Johnson suffers from schizophrenia and had not been taking his prescribed medication. They said they had reached out to law enforcement several times in the past week seeking help but were told that, since he had not committed a crime, officers could not intervene.
This case highlights the difficult intersection between mental health crises and public safety. It also underscores the importance of being prepared to respond quickly and decisively when faced with an unexpected threat at home.
Residents with mentally ill family members are encouraged to seek emergency mental health services when possible, while responsible gun owners should maintain readiness, secure their firearms appropriately, and have a plan in place to protect themselves and their loved ones if danger arises.
