Two security personnel were injured during an exchange of gunfire with a man attempting to steal goods worth over $1,000 at a Los Angeles shopping plaza.
The incident occurred on Monday night at the FIGat7th outdoor shopping centre, where the guards intercepted the suspect leaving Target.
Los Angeles Police Captain Raul Jovel confirmed that the suspect discharged approximately five rounds, with one guard returning fire.Though the suspect initially escaped, authorities later arrested him.
“We’re really lucky nobody got killed in this incident,” Jovel was quoted as saying by news agency AP.
Following an extended siege at a Westlake, California apartment on Tuesday, authorities successfully arrested the suspect accused of injuring the security guards, as reported by NBC Los Angeles.
This incident concludes a year marked by California residents’ growing concerns about retail crime.
Voters approved legislation classifying repeated shoplifting as a felony, reversing a previous measure that had reduced theft under $950 to a misdemeanour.
While comprehensive local statistics remain scarce, viral footage earlier this year documented large groups conducting mass shoplifting at major retailers. The public’s response included the removal of several progressive district attorneys from office.
Captain Jovel detailed that the suspect had attempted to steal stationery and clothing valued above $1,000. He had requested public assistance in locating the suspect, emphasising the individual’s dangerous nature.
The injured personnel included a Target loss prevention officer and an armed mall security guard.
Witness Judith Conway informed KABC-TV that she was shopping in Target when gunfire erupted, causing panic among customers who fled whilst screaming and crying.
No shoppers were reported injured during the incident.
“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 told AP.
