LOS ANGELES – In a violent encounter at a shopping center in downtown Los Angeles, two security guards were shot while attempting to apprehend a theft suspect who had stolen over $1,000 worth of goods, according to police reports released on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on Monday evening as the guards confronted the individual exiting a Target store located within the FIGat7th outdoor shopping plaza. During the confrontation, the suspect discharged a minimum of five shots, prompting one of the guards to return fire, as detailed by Captain Raul Jovel of the Los Angeles Police Department during a press briefing. The suspect fled the scene, triggering an extensive search that concluded hours later with his arrest.
Captain Jovel expressed relief that the incident did not result in fatalities, emphasizing the potential severity of the situation. The individual accused of shooting the guards was detained following a tense standoff at a residence in Westlake, California, as reported by local media.
This shooting incident highlights a growing concern among California residents regarding retail theft and overall crime, which many feel has become rampant. A recent ballot initiative aimed at increasing penalties for repeat shoplifters successfully passed, reversing previous legislation that had classified thefts under $950 as a misdemeanor. While there is a lack of precise data reflecting the extent of retail theft, incidents have proliferated, with viral footage earlier this year displaying groups of individuals raiding major retail outlets. Additionally, several district attorneys viewed as progressive were voted out amid the rising concerns.
Captain Jovel indicated that the suspect had filled his bag with more than $1,000 worth of items, including clothing and stationery supplies. He urged the community to assist law enforcement by providing any relevant information about the individual, stressing that he is considered dangerous.
One of the injured guards served as a loss prevention officer for the Target store, while the other held a position as an armed security personnel for the mall. Witness Judith Conway recounted her experience to KABC-TV, expressing shock as she described the scene unfolding in the store.
“We heard several rounds go off, and we just pretty much ran towards the back and just left our items in the cart, and just tried to do the best that we could to get to safety,” Conway recounted.
Fortunately, no shoppers have been reported injured as a result of the chaotic incident.
