79-year-old veteran speaks after shooting naked trespasser to save tenant

STUDIO CITY, Calif. (KCAL/KCBS) - Days after springing into action to save his tenant from a naked trespasser, a 79-year-old landlord and Vietnam veteran is recounting how he brought the chaotic situation to an end.

It was an unexpected wake up for this Studio City, California, community last Friday when a naked man began screaming and pulling up signs before breaking into a woman’s home.

“He dashed from the sidewalk in front of the house and through her door in a flash,” said George Karkoc, who owns the property the man broke into.

Karkoc, a 79-year-old Vietnam veteran, heard his tenant screaming and came running, armed.

“I said, ‘I gotta get a gun. I don’t have a chance against this guy,’” he said. “Told him we had contacted the police, they were coming and asked him politely to please leave.”

But from his hospital room, Karkoc described what happened next that made him shoot and kill the intruder.

“He jumped on top of me and wrapped his arms and legs around me. He weighed over 200 pounds. I’m not strong enough to support that, and I just collapsed straight down,” he said.

With his right arm pinned behind his back, the veteran grabbed the gun with his left and fired, striking the suspect several times.

“I wasn’t thinking about myself. I was thinking about taking care of the problem,” he said.

Karkoc suffered two broken legs in the attack and is now using a wheelchair. He says he never thought he’d have to use a firearm again, but he’s had one for decades.

“Well, after 28 years not using it, I didn’t think I’d have to, but that’s why I had it because you never know,” he said.

Although frightened by the incident, Karkoc’s wife, Lily, says he did the right thing.

“George was doing what he needed to do to protect his property and the people he loves. That’s what kind of man he is,” she said. “I think he’s pretty brave. He’s definitely my hero.”

As Karkoc works to get back on his feet – literally – his son has started a GoFundMe to help cover some of the medical expenses.

“I am aware of the financial burden of the hospitalization, and I know that’s another obstacle we’re gonna have to face,” Karkoc said. ”So, I’m indebted to him for doing that, and I’ve been seeing there’s a lot of support."

The veteran is expected to be in the hospital for at least another week, while walking again could take a few months.