Attempted robbery suspect shot during surveillance operation in West Hills
Armed robbery suspect shot, killed in West Hills
Loved ones said the suspect was an 18-year-old from Riverside County.
LOS ANGELES - A shooting in Los Angeles' West Hills neighborhood left one person dead after authorities say detectives observed an attempted armed robbery in a shopping center parking lot. Authorities said the incident unfolded during a surveillance operation tied to recent robberies in the area.
What we know:
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau were conducting a follow-up investigation into recent robberies in the Malibu Lost Hills area when they witnessed a suspect approach a woman in a parking lot armed with a firearm.
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According to the sheriff’s investigators, the detectives were conducting surveillance in front of a Michael’s store when the suspect allegedly attempted to rob the woman.
"Two of the detectives exited their vehicle and attempted to make contact and detain the suspect when the deputy-involved shooting occurred," said Lieutenant Steve DeJong with the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau.
The suspect was struck and died at the scene. Authorities say a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine was recovered. No detectives were injured.
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A second suspect, believed to be connected to the first, fled the scene in a white sedan during the shooting and was later detained in Agoura Hills.
Family members at the scene told reporters the suspect was an 18-year-old Riverside County resident and that the second suspect was his girlfriend.
What we don't know:
It's not clear if the suspect opened fire on detectives before being shot.
Investigators have not confirmed a motive for the incident or officially identified either suspect.
The investigation remains ongoing.