Authorities say a male suspect was shot and killed by a deputy outside a Michaels store in West Hills on Jan. 22 after detectives observed an alleged armed robbery. The suspect, who authorities have not named, was pronounced dead at 8:48 p.m.; a loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered at the scene. A female accomplice was later detained in Agoura Hills. Family members told local media the deceased was an 18-year-old recent high school graduate. Investigators are examining possible links to two nearby armed robberies and an assault with a deadly weapon.
Deputy-Involved Shooting Outside West Hills Michaels Kills Teen; Authorities Probe Possible Robbery Links
KTLA5Crime in shopping center parking lot
West Hills, CA — A male suspect was fatally shot by a Los Angeles County deputy outside a Michaels store in West Hills on Jan. 22, authorities said. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported detectives observed what they believed to be an armed robbery in progress, and a deputy-involved shooting occurred as deputies attempted to detain the suspect and protect a female victim.
Details of the Incident
The sheriff’s department said the encounter happened at about 8:40 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, in a shopping plaza on the 6600 block of Fallbrook Avenue. During the confrontation a deputy fired at the alleged suspect, then rendered aid until the Los Angeles City Fire Department arrived. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:48 p.m.
The agency has not released the names or ages of the deceased individual or the deputy involved. Investigators recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun where the suspect died. A female accomplice fled southbound on Fallbrook Avenue and was later located and detained without incident in Agoura Hills.
Investigation Underway
Authorities said they are probing whether the shooting is connected to two recent armed robberies and an assault with a deadly weapon reported within the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station policing area. Officials have not confirmed any definitive links between those cases and the West Hills shooting.
Family Reaction
A woman who declined to give her name told KTLA the person who was shot was her 18-year-old grandson, a recent high school graduate who had stayed with her the night before. She said his girlfriend called to report he had been shot.
“I have no idea what happened. He just came to stay with me for a day last night and he went out with his girlfriend. The girlfriend called my daughter and told me my grandson got shot. I just can’t believe it,” the woman said.
The victim’s mother, who also declined to give her name, told KTLA: “This does not sound like my son at all. This is not something my son would do at all. He comes from a good family. He graduated high school last year. I’m heartbroken. I’m in shock. I don’t know how to process this all.”
How To Provide Tips
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. The sheriff’s department declined additional comment when contacted by PEOPLE.
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