Introduction to the Incident
A pair of Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives conducting surveillance at a West Hills shopping center saw an armed suspect attempt to rob a woman and at least one of them fatally shot him Thursday night, Jan. 22, authorities said.
Detectives with the department’s Major Crimes Bureau were doing a follow-up investigation into a trio of robberies earlier this month in the Malibu and Lost Hills area when they saw the suspect approach the woman about 8:40 p.m., sheriff’s Lt. Steve DeJong said.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting occurred in front of a Michaels store in the Fallbrook Center, in the 6600 block of Fallbrook Avenue.
“Two of the detectives exited their vehicle and attempted to make contact and detain the suspect when the deputy-involved shooting occurred,” DeJong said.
The suspect died at the scene and authorities found a semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine, he said. What specifically prompted at least one detective to fire was unclear.
Arrest of Second Suspect
A woman identified as a second suspect fled in a car, but deputies caught up to her and detained her in Agoura Hills, DeJong said.
It wasn’t immediately known if the two suspects were the ones that detectives were seeking from the previous robberies.
Eyewitness Account
A security guard told Key News Network, a freelance news organization that sometimes works with the Southern California News Group, that he saw a sheriff’s unit pull in, heard gunshots and looked up to see the suspect go down.
The guard, who did not give his name, said about five or six people were inside the Michael’s store at the time.
“They had a few shots go through the windows, so they got everyone out and blocked off the area,” he said.
The suspect was down in the street in front of the Michaels next to a Cost Plus World Market.
Investigation and Aftermath
The identity of the suspect who was shot was not released pending notification of his relatives.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat crime and protect the community. The investigation into the shooting and the previous robberies is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
FAQs
Q: What happened at the Fallbrook Center mall?
A: A pair of Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives shot and killed a robbery suspect at the mall on Thursday night, Jan. 22.
Q: What led to the shooting?
A: The detectives were conducting surveillance and saw the suspect attempt to rob a woman, prompting them to intervene and ultimately shoot the suspect.
Q: Was anyone else involved in the incident?
A: Yes, a second suspect, a woman, fled the scene in a car but was later detained by deputies in Agoura Hills.
Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and more information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
