NEED TO KNOW
- Authorities are investigating if a string of robberies could involve a male suspect who was killed by a deputy outside of a Michaels store
- A suspect, whose identity has not been made public, was allegedly armed with a semi-automatic handgun
- A woman who declined to give her name told local media the deceased was her 18-year-old grandson who recently graduated
A young man was killed in a deputy-involved shooting in California, according to police.
In an updated press release published on Friday, Jan. 23, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Information Bureau confirmed a fatal incident at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22 where an adult male was shot and killed in a shopping plaza on the 6600 block of Fallbrook Avenue, in the city of West Hills.
An investigation conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide alleged that detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau observed an armed robbery in progress.
The agency alleged that while attempting “to prevent the robbery from occurring by detaining the male, and to protect the female victim from harm, a deputy involved shooting occurred.”
During this altercation, a deputy shot the alleged suspect and rendered aid to him until the Los Angeles City Fire Department arrived. However, he was pronounced dead on scene at 8:48 p.m.
Authorities did not provide a name or age for the victim, nor the deputy involved.
“A female accomplice fled the scene in a vehicle southbound on Fallbrook Avenue. She was located in the city of Agoura Hills and detained without incident,” investigators said, adding that a loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered where the suspect died.
PEOPLE reached out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who offered no additional information.
A woman who declined to share her name told KTLA that the person who was shot and killed was her 18-year-old grandson.
“I have no idea what happened,” the woman said. “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.”
His mother, who did not share her identity, also spoke with the news station.
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“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,” she told KTLA.
Authorities said they are continuing to investigate two recent armed robberies and an assault with a deadly weapon that occurred in the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station policing area involving a male suspect, armed with a semi-automatic handgun. They have not said if the incidents are related.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
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