LOS ANGELES, CA – Two masked suspects opened fire at a smoke shop in Bellflower early Sunday before setting the business ablaze, prompting a continuing investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies were called to The Spot Smok Shop in the 9100 block of Somerset Boulevard shortly before 4:30 a.m. Sept. 27 after a report of gunfire. Investigators said two masked individuals entered the business, and one of them fired toward an employee who was behind bullet-resistant glass.
The suspects then allegedly used an incendiary device to start a fire inside the business before fleeing the area.
The incident brought deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to the scene, while firefighters from the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to the blaze.
Gunfire followed by fire
According to information provided to investigators, the confrontation began when the two masked suspects entered the smoke shop during the early-morning hours.
One suspect allegedly fired a weapon toward the employee. The presence of bullet-resistant glass prevented the gunfire from directly striking the worker, according to the information available from investigators.
The suspects then allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail or similar incendiary device into the business, starting a fire that caused extensive damage.
Firefighters remained at the location as they worked to contain the blaze and assess the condition of the building. The county fire department identifies Bellflower as part of its Division 4 service area, which includes several communities in southeastern Los Angeles County.
The combination of gunfire and fire also meant investigators had to examine both the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the cause and extent of the damage to the commercial property.
Suspects remained unidentified
The two suspects were wearing masks during the incident, making it difficult for investigators to provide a detailed physical description.
Officials said the pair fled after the shooting and fire. No arrests had been announced as of the latest available information.
The lack of a detailed suspect description could make surveillance footage, witness statements and other evidence particularly important as detectives work to establish what happened inside the business and determine where the suspects went afterward.
The LASD Lakewood Station serves Bellflower and surrounding communities and lists its station at 5130 Clark Avenue in Lakewood. The station’s public contact number is 562-623-3500.
Heavy damage reported at business
The fire significantly damaged the smoke shop, with firefighters examining the structure after the flames were brought under control.
The business had been a relatively recent addition to the neighborhood after the property had reportedly remained vacant for an extended period. By Sunday morning, the shooting and subsequent fire had drawn attention from people in the surrounding area as investigators continued working at the scene.
The incident also illustrates the complications that can follow when a shooting and an intentionally started fire occur during the same event. Investigators must determine the sequence of actions, identify the individuals involved and establish whether the fire was intended to destroy evidence, cause additional damage or was part of the initial attack.
At this stage, officials have not publicly identified a motive.
Investigation continues
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the shooting and fire. Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified the two suspects by name.
Investigators are expected to examine available surveillance footage, physical evidence recovered from the business and statements from people who were in or near the area when the incident occurred.
Anyone with information that could help identify the suspects or clarify what happened is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department through the appropriate investigative channels.
The case remains active, and additional information could be released as detectives continue their investigation.
