LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities are searching for a suspected shoplifter who allegedly shot and injured two security guards inside a shopping mall in downtown Los Angeles on Monday evening, prompting a manhunt and increased police presence in the area.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 8:50 p.m. in the 700 block of South Figueroa Street, near the intersection of 7th Street, within the FigAt7th shopping mall, officials said.
Investigators believe the incident began when the suspect was confronted by security guards who attempted to stop him from shoplifting inside a Target store located within the mall. During the confrontation, the suspect pulled out a firearm and opened fire, striking both guards, police reported.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the two victims suffering from gunshot wounds and immediately called for paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Both victims, later confirmed to be security guards, were transported to local hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, one victim remained in critical condition, while the other was listed in fair condition, authorities said.
Police described the suspect as a male, believed to be between 20 and 30 years old, wearing a black jacket, gray pants, a gray backpack, and a scarf. The suspect fled the scene on foot, heading in an unknown direction along Figueroa Street, according to officials.
A large police presence was observed in the area following the shooting, as officers secured the mall and cordoned off entrances with yellow tape. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with shoppers and employees being evacuated as investigators began processing evidence.
Authorities are also investigating whether a second shooting that occurred nearby at 7th Street and Maple Avenue around 9:30 p.m. is connected to the incident at the mall. In the second incident, two additional victims were hospitalized, though no immediate connection has been confirmed, police said.
In a statement, a representative from FigAt7th said the mall management was “deeply troubled” by the violence and emphasized their cooperation with the LAPD to address the situation.
“We are working closely with the Los Angeles Police Department and are grateful for their swift response,” the spokesperson stated.
The statement also clarified that the security guards involved were employees of Target, not FigAt7th staff or Brookfield employees, which owns the shopping center.
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts to contact the LAPD Central Division at 213-486-6606. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-8477 or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are reviewing security footage and speaking to witnesses to identify and locate the suspect. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
