LOS ANGELES, CA – A burglary suspect is dead and another remains at large after a break-in attempt at a cannabis dispensary in West Los Angeles early Monday led to a fatal shooting by an on-site security guard, authorities said.
The incident occurred just after 3 a.m. at ERBA Markets, a marijuana dispensary located near the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Centinela Avenue. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a suspect drove a vehicle through the entrance of the store, breaching the storefront in what appeared to be a planned break-in.
Detective Samuel Marullo with LAPD’s West Bureau Homicide Division said the security guard, employed by the dispensary, was stationed inside the business when the vehicle crashed into the entrance. The suspect, described as wearing a ski mask, exited the vehicle inside the store. Believing a robbery was imminent, the guard opened fire, striking the suspect at least once before officers arrived on the scene.
The wounded suspect was taken into custody by police and transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His identity has not been publicly released, but authorities said he is believed to have been approximately 16 years old.
A second suspect may have been involved. A witness reported seeing another male fleeing the scene following the shooting. Investigators believe this individual may have dropped evidence while running from the area. As of Monday evening, no second suspect had been located.
Police have closed off Pico Boulevard at Centinela Avenue while detectives examine the crime scene and gather surveillance footage. No charges have been filed against the security guard, who remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Authorities are asking residents and businesses in the area to come forward with any surveillance footage or additional information that may assist in identifying the second suspect or clarifying the sequence of events.
