Intruder wakes victims during attempted robbery

Two Newport Beach residents were awakened early Sunday by a gunman who gained access to their bedroom through an unlocked balcony door, according to police.

The two residents were awakened in the home in the 400 block of Canal Street just before 6 a.m. by a noise, according to Newport Beach police.

A male carrying a small semi-automatic handgun had managed to get onto a second-floor balcony connected to the residents’ bedroom, police said.

Once inside, he asked about a safe and then left through the balcony door when one of the residents denied owning one, police said.

Investigators are now looking for three people caught on a nearby surveillance camera. They could be seen fleeing the area on foot, investigators said.

All three are tall black males with slender builds, police said.

According to police, one wore a dark-gray or blue hooded sweatshirt, light-colored denim shorts, white socks and dark shoes with white soles.

The second suspect wore dark-blue shorts, white socks, white shoes and a black hooded sweatshirt. Police said the sweatshirt had a multicolored design on the front and may have a cartoon face printed on the right rear shoulder.

The third wore a dark-gray hooded sweatshirt, red pants and red and white shoes.

Police asked that anyone with information contact Det. Sgt. Ryan Peters at (949) 644-3764 or . Anonymous tips are also accepted at 1-800-550-NBPD.