Woman Shoots, Kills Man Following Assault at Compton Store
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A customer shot and killed a man after he allegedly groped and threatened shoppers and employees at a store in Compton, California, on sunday. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively seeking witnesses too the incident, which unfolded at a shopping center in the 1300 block of East Alondra Boulevard.
Incident Unfolds After Initial Assault
According to a news release from the Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to reports of a disturbance that escalated to a shooting. Investigators persistent that an unidentified man initially followed a female customer inside the store and groped her. Store employees intervened, asking the man to leave the premises.
The man’s response was reportedly aggressive, escalating to verbal threats and the destruction of merchandise within the store. Officials stated that shoppers and staff then observed the man holding an object believed to be a knife, and he allegedly threatened to harm everyone present.
Armed Customer Intervenes
Fearing for the safety of those around her, a second customer legally retrieved a personal firearm and discharged a warning shot. When the suspect turned toward her, authorities say she feared for her own life and fired a second shot, striking the man.
Responding officers arrived to find the man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inquiry Ongoing, Witnesses Sought
The Sheriff’s Department is relying on video evidence and eyewitness accounts to piece together the full sequence of events. Investigators believe additional customers were present during the incident and may have crucial information.
“Based on video evidence, there were additional customers in the store who might have witnessed the incident unfold,” the news release stated.
Anyone who was in the store or the parking lot and observed the man is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, via the “P3 Tips” mobile app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, or through the Crime Stoppers website.
Expanded News Report:
Why: The incident began with an assault and escalated due to the suspect’s increasingly threatening behavior, culminating in a perceived threat to the lives of shoppers and staff.
Who: The incident involved an unidentified male suspect, a female customer who was initially assaulted, a second female customer who discharged the firearm, store employees, and responding deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
What: An unidentified man followed and groped a female customer inside a Compton store. After being asked to leave, he became aggressive, making threats and destroying property. He then brandished what appeared to be a knife and threatened those present. A legally armed customer first fired a warning shot, and then, fearing for her life, shot and killed the suspect.
How did it end?: The suspect died at the scene from a gunshot wound. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident and seeking witnesses to determine the full sequence of events. The investigation will likely focus on whether the customer’s use of force was justified under California law.
