A father in Citrus Heights, California, is being recognized for his heroic actions after stopping a violent home intruder who attacked his children. Bobby Tucker, a security guard, confronted the assailant in his home at around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Tucker found the intruder assaulting his 14-year-old son, choking him from behind. The attacker then turned to Tucker’s 11-year-old child. Without hesitation, Tucker intervened, focusing solely on protecting his children.
“My mind was completely clear,” Tucker said. “I wasn’t thinking of anything, just getting that guy off my son. I admit I blanked out for a while, probably scared my kids too. Hitting the guy, hitting the guy and I could hear them saying someone call 911.”
The police arrived quickly and took the intruder into custody. The suspect, who faces charges of felony burglary and assault, was unresponsive and had to be carried out on a stretcher. Tucker posted images of the intruder before he entered the home and as he was being removed by paramedics.
Tucker mentioned that the door was left unlocked because his children had just taken out the trash. “He chose the wrong house to mess with,” Tucker said, stressing the importance of home security. He advised homeowners to ensure their doors are always locked, use alarm systems, and keep self-defense items like mace or firearms on hand.
In the wake of the incident, Tucker is arranging therapy for his children to help them recover from the traumatic experience. Authorities have confirmed that Tucker will not face any charges for his actions. The intruder, identified as a 29-year-old man, remains in custody.
Citrus Heights, a city of about 86,000 residents located 15 miles northeast of Sacramento, has been reminded of the critical need for vigilance and security. Local news broadcasts have featured surveillance footage and Tucker’s images, serving as a stark warning to the community.