Two security guards were injured during a gunfight with a man suspected of attempting to steal over $1,000 in merchandise from a Target store at the FIGat7th outdoor shopping mall in downtown Los Angeles.
The incident, which occurred Monday night, led to an hourslong manhunt and the eventual arrest of the suspect following a standoff at an apartment in Westlake, California, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Gunfight Erupts Over Stolen Merchandise
LAPD Capt. Raul Jovel stated during a press conference that the guards confronted the man as he exited the store with a bag full of stolen goods, including stationery and clothing. The suspect fired at least five rounds at the guards, one of whom returned fire.
“We’re really lucky nobody got killed in this incident,” Jovel said.
One guard was identified as a loss prevention officer for Target, while the other served as an armed security officer for the shopping mall. Both guards sustained injuries but are expected to recover.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Chaos
Shoppers inside the Target described a scene of panic as shots rang out. Judith Conway, a customer, told KABC-TV, “We heard several rounds go off, and we just pretty much ran towards the back and left our items in the cart, just trying to get to safety.”
Suspect Captured After Hourslong Standoff
The suspect fled the scene, sparking a police search that culminated in his capture during a standoff at a Westlake apartment on Tuesday. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name but noted he was considered armed and dangerous during the manhunt.
Retail Theft and Rising Concerns
This incident comes amid growing frustration over retail theft in California, with residents voting earlier this year to toughen penalties for repeat shoplifting offenses. A new ballot measure makes shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders, reversing a 2014 law that had downgraded theft under $950 to a misdemeanor.
Viral videos and publicized cases of organized retail theft have fueled a perception that such crimes are on the rise, though local data remains limited.
