LOS ANGELES, CA – A suspected burglary at a cannabis dispensary in West Los Angeles ended in a fatal shooting early Monday, after a vehicle was driven through the storefront and an on-site security guard opened fire on one of the intruders, authorities said.
The incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. at ERBA Markets, located near the intersection of Pico Boulevard and Centinela Avenue. According to police, the break-in appeared coordinated, with at least one suspect breaching the entrance by ramming a car into the building.
Street People learned that the dispensary’s private security guard was stationed inside the premises when the vehicle smashed through the front doors. SP obtained details suggesting the suspect, wearing a ski mask, exited the car and entered the building on foot. Believing a robbery was imminent, the guard fired his weapon, striking the intruder at least once.
Officers arrived shortly after the shooting and took the wounded suspect into custody. He was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. According to insights reviewed by SP, the deceased is believed to have been approximately 16 years old. Authorities have not publicly released his name, pending identification and notification of next of kin.
SP came across witness statements indicating that a second individual fled the scene following the gunfire. Investigators believe the fleeing suspect may have dropped items while escaping and are analyzing physical evidence left near the site.
As of late Monday, the second suspect had not been located. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional accomplices.
LAPD homicide detectives have closed off a stretch of Pico Boulevard at Centinela Avenue as they collect surveillance footage and forensic evidence from the scene. The security guard involved in the shooting remained at the location and is cooperating with investigators. No charges have been filed against him.
Authorities are asking nearby residents and business owners to review their security footage from the early morning hours and contact LAPD’s West Bureau with any information that may assist in identifying the second suspect or clarifying the chain of events.
