LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities have arrested the suspected gunman involved in a shooting at a Target store in downtown Los Angeles, following an hourslong standoff at an apartment complex located just a few blocks from the scene of the incident.
The suspect, who has not yet been publicly identified, was apprehended late Tuesday evening in the 1200 block of Ingraham Street in the Westlake District, police said.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers had tracked the man to the apartment building, where he barricaded himself inside one of the units as authorities attempted to serve a warrant.
Video footage captured during the standoff showed broken windows at the location, and police confirmed they deployed tear gas canisters to force the suspect out of the residence.
Images from the scene revealed heavily armed officers, including members of the Special Enforcement Bureau, surrounding the property. Shortly before sunset, officers were seen detaining a man who matched the suspect’s description.
The shooting occurred Monday night around 9 p.m. at the Target store located in the FigAt7th shopping mall at 735 S. Figueroa Street.
Authorities said the suspect, described as a man in his early 20s, entered the store carrying a briefcase, which he allegedly filled with merchandise before attempting to leave without paying.
Two security guards confronted the suspect near the store’s exit, leading to a physical altercation. During the scuffle, the suspect drew a firearm and opened fire, striking both security guards, police said.
“This was not a random act but a confrontation that quickly escalated into a gunfight,” LAPD Capt. Raul Jovel said during a Tuesday press conference.
Officials confirmed that one of the guards, who was armed, returned fire, leading to at least 10 rounds being exchanged inside the store. Several walls were struck by gunfire, and authorities said they were initially unsure if the suspect had been hit during the shootout.
Both security guards were transported to a hospital, one in critical condition and the other listed as stable. By Tuesday afternoon, police announced that the second guard had been released from the hospital and was recovering at home.
Investigators said the armed guard was employed by the shopping center, while the other guard worked in loss prevention for Target.
Prior to his arrest, the suspect had been described as standing between 5 feet 8 inches and 6 feet tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds, and wearing a black jacket, purple scarf, gray pants, and a black do-rag.
Authorities also identified the suspect’s weapon as a 9mm pistol.
The man was considered armed and dangerous, prompting a citywide search before he was located in the Westlake District apartment.
Following the suspect’s apprehension, LAPD officials praised the efforts of tactical teams and negotiators who worked to ensure a peaceful resolution to the standoff.
The FigAt7th shopping mall released a statement expressing its concern and commitment to assisting investigators.
“We are deeply troubled by the events that occurred and are fully cooperating with the LAPD in its investigation,” the mall said.
Target Corporation also issued a statement, calling the shooting a horrible act of violence and offering support to the injured employees and their families.
The store where the incident occurred remains closed pending further investigations, officials said.
Authorities have classified the case as both a robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, and charges against the suspect are expected to be filed in the coming days.
During Tuesday’s press conference, LAPD Capt. Jovel reiterated the department’s commitment to addressing retail theft and violent crime in downtown Los Angeles, an area that has seen increased concerns over security in recent months.
“Our goal is to make downtown a safe environment for residents, workers, and visitors,” Jovel said.
Investigators are urging anyone with additional information or witness accounts to contact LAPD Central Robbery Detective Alvarez at 213-833-3750.
Anonymous tips can be provided by calling 1-855-847-6227 or through online crime reporting platforms.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and will focus on determining whether the suspect acted alone or had accomplices involved in the theft attempt. Further updates are expected as police review surveillance footage and gather evidence from the scene.
