79-Year-Old George Karkoc Shoots Naked Intruder Dead After He Threatens Woman and Breaks His Both Legs

A 79-year-old Vietnam War veteran from Studio City, Los Angeles, is being hailed as a hero after a violent confrontation with a naked intruder ended in the attacker’s death. The shocking early morning incident on Tujunga Avenue has gripped the local community and social media alike, both for its disturbing intensity and the veteran’s extraordinary act of self-defense despite his age and injuries.

George Karkoc, a longtime landlord and decorated veteran, found himself in a life-and-death struggle after the intruder broke into his neighbor’s home, assaulted her, and then turned his rage on Karkoc. The ordeal left Karkoc with both legs shattered but alive—a testament, he says, to his military training and sheer will to survive. The bizarre chain of events began just after sunrise on Friday when residents along Tujunga Avenue noticed a man walking naked through the neighborhood, shouting incoherently in Spanish and waving a sign.

Surveillance footage later released by police showed the man behaving erratically, flailing his arms, and attempting to force his way through gates and doorways. Concerned for his neighbors, George Karkoc dialed 911 to report the intruder’s behavior. What unfolded in the next few minutes would turn an ordinary morning into a harrowing encounter that could easily have claimed several lives.

A Disturbing Morning on Tujunga Avenue

According to reports, the unidentified intruder appeared on Tujunga Avenue shortly before 7 a.m. Security cameras captured him wandering the residential street naked and agitated, muttering and gesturing wildly. Witnesses described him as appearing to be under the influence or in the midst of a severe mental breakdown. George Karkoc, who had been inside his apartment complex at the time, noticed the commotion and immediately contacted authorities to alert them about the man’s erratic behavior.

Moments later, the situation escalated dramatically when the man forced his way into a nearby apartment belonging to one of Karkoc’s tenants—a woman who lived alone. Hearing her terrified screams for help, Karkoc sprang into action. “She started screaming. It was just horrendous,” he recalled from his hospital bed. Acting on instinct, he retrieved his legally owned firearm, determined to intervene before the intruder could harm her further.

As the woman managed to flee the apartment and escape to safety, George Karkoc confronted the intruder in the courtyard. His son, Taras, later explained that his father had tried to calm the man down and defuse the situation verbally. However, communication proved impossible due to a language barrier and the man’s agitated state. Within moments, the confrontation turned violent. “The guy came out after her, and my dad tried to talk him off the ledge,” Taras said. “But he wasn’t listening to reason. Then he just lunged.”

The 79 year old Vietnam Veteran that shot and killed a naked assailant harassing his neighbors is slowly recovering in the hospital after both his legs were broken in the attack.

George Karkoc is an absolute hero and should not be spending Veterans Day hospitalized https://t.co/L3r67wX8yM pic.twitter.com/9iSA3zclCi

— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) November 11, 2025

What followed was a brutal physical struggle between the elderly veteran and the much younger, stronger intruder. The naked man allegedly tackled George Karkoc to the ground, pinning him beneath his body and twisting his legs with such force that both bones snapped. “I don’t know what he did, but he intertwined himself,” Karkoc later said. Immobilized and writhing in pain, he faced the terrifying realization that his attacker might kill him. His wife, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, stood only a few feet away, helpless to intervene.

A Fight for Survival

Despite his severe injuries, George Karkoc refused to give up. Drawing upon the survival instincts and combat reflexes honed during his military service in Vietnam, he managed to twist his upper body just enough to reach his handgun. “I pressed the gun against him and I fired,” Karkoc recalled. “I fired three times—and the last shot, I made sure I was going to kill him.”

The gunfire brought the violent struggle to an abrupt end. The intruder collapsed and was pronounced dead at the scene when paramedics arrived minutes later. Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department quickly determined that the shooting appeared to be an act of self-defense, supported by eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage from multiple angles.

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Authorities stated that the suspect may have been under the influence of drugs or suffering from a severe mental health crisis at the time of the attack. No charges are expected to be filed against George Karkoc. LAPD officers have publicly commended the veteran’s bravery, noting that his quick thinking likely saved both his life and the life of his female tenant.

Paramedics rushed George Karkoc to a local hospital, where doctors confirmed he had sustained multiple fractures in both legs. His recovery will require several surgeries, months of physical therapy, and extended rehabilitation. Despite the immense pain and the long road ahead, Karkoc expressed gratitude that no one else was killed. “I did everything I could,” he said. “I wasn’t going to let him hurt anyone else.”

His son, Taras, has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the mounting medical expenses that exceed what veterans’ benefits can provide. “Even with his military benefits, the costs are enormous,” Taras explained. “He’s a hero, and now we’re just trying to make sure he gets the care he needs to walk again.”

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

The case has drawn national attention, both for its shocking details and for the dramatic footage of the moments leading up to the fatal shooting. A video clip shared on social media by user Paul Szypula, reportedly sourced from CBS Los Angeles, shows the naked man terrorizing the neighborhood and attempting to break into homes before the fatal encounter. The footage quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking widespread discussion about self-defense laws, mental health, and community safety.

Online reactions have been overwhelmingly supportive of George Karkoc. Many social media users hailed him as a hero, praising his courage and quick action in the face of a life-threatening situation. “That brave veteran better not be prosecuted for anything. He needs a medal,” one user commented. Another wrote, “That veteran is a hero, and bless him. I hope he recovers and is given an award for protecting and saving his neighbors.”

Law enforcement officials echoed similar sentiments. LAPD officers assigned to the case plan to visit George Karkoc in the hospital to commend him personally for his service and bravery. “This was a man who acted decisively to protect innocent lives,” one officer said. “At his age, facing that kind of threat and still managing to defend himself—it’s remarkable.”

At the same time, investigators are continuing to piece together the background of the deceased intruder. Early reports suggest that the man may have had a history of substance abuse or mental health issues. Toxicology tests are pending to determine whether drugs played a role in his behavior. Police have also been reviewing 911 calls from that morning and interviewing witnesses to confirm the sequence of events.

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The incident has reignited discussions in Los Angeles about public safety, particularly in residential neighborhoods struggling with increasing reports of erratic behavior, drug use, and break-ins. Some residents have called for stronger mental health intervention programs to prevent similar tragedies, while others emphasize the importance of lawful self-defense and the right to protect one’s home.

Neighbors of George Karkoc described him as a kind and responsible landlord who has always looked out for the people living in his building. “George is one of those old-school guys,” said one tenant. “He served his country, he still takes care of his tenants, and he’s always the first one to step up when something goes wrong. What happened is terrifying, but I’m not surprised he stood his ground.”

Meanwhile, Karkoc’s family has expressed both relief and exhaustion. His wife, who witnessed the entire ordeal, remains shaken but thankful for the swift arrival of police and paramedics. Taras has stayed by his father’s side throughout his hospital stay, updating supporters online about his condition. “He’s in good spirits,” he said. “Even with all that pain, he’s still joking with the nurses and talking about fixing the gate when he gets home.”

In an era where stories of violent crime often end in tragedy, the account of George Karkoc stands out as an example of determination, courage, and presence of mind under extreme duress. While his injuries will take months to heal, the 79-year-old veteran’s quick response prevented what could have become a far worse catastrophe. Police have closed the criminal aspect of the case, officially classifying it as a justifiable homicide pending the completion of toxicology results.

The broader implications of the event continue to stir conversation across Los Angeles and beyond. Advocates for veterans’ welfare point to Karkoc’s case as a reminder of the resilience and discipline ingrained in former service members, even decades after combat. Others note the tragedy of mental health crises escalating into deadly violence—calling for better community support systems to identify and de-escalate such situations before they spiral out of control.

For now, George Karkoc remains focused on recovery. He faces months of physical rehabilitation and the financial strain of costly medical care, but the support from friends, neighbors, and thousands of strangers online has provided comfort. His GoFundMe campaign has received steady contributions, reflecting the public’s admiration for his courage.

Authorities confirmed that LAPD officers will visit him at the hospital to honor his military service and his decisive action that likely saved lives. “He’s a tough man,” said one officer involved in the investigation. “He’s been through war, and he’s been through life. He did what he had to do.”

As Los Angeles continues to grapple with the disturbing reality of the incident, the story of the 79-year-old Vietnam veteran serves as both a chilling reminder of how quickly violence can erupt—and a striking example of how courage and training can make the difference between life and death.