Two Security Guards Injured in Downtown Los Angeles shooting
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Two security guards suffered gunshot wounds during an altercation with a shoplifter at a bustling downtown Los Angeles shopping plaza on Monday night. The incident occurred as the suspect attempted to flee the Target store at the FIGat7th outdoor mall with over $1,000 worth of stolen merchandise.
Los Angeles Police Capt. Raul Jovel detailed the harrowing event at a news conference, stating that the suspect discharged at least five rounds during a confrontation with the guards. One of the guards returned fire, but the suspect managed to escape. Police are actively searching for him and urge the public to come forward with any information.
“We’re incredibly fortunate that no one was killed in this incident,” Capt. Jovel emphasized. He added,”We know this suspect is violent and armed,and he poses a danger to the public.”
Retail Theft a Growing Concern
This shooting comes at the end of a year in which California voters expressed their frustration with rising retail theft and broader crime concerns. In the recent election, a ballot measure aimed at making shoplifting a felony for repeat offenders passed overwhelmingly, reversing a previous law that had downgraded theft under $950 to a misdemeanor.
the lack of thorough local data makes it tough to quantify the extent of the problem; however,videos circulating online earlier this year depicted large groups of individuals brazenly shoplifting from major retail establishments,highlighting the severity of the issue.
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Damian Dovarganes
In the specific Los Angeles incident,the suspect loaded his bag with merchandise,including stationery and clothing,totaling over $1,000 before fleeing the scene.Police are urging anyone with information about the suspect to contact them immediately,warning that he is considered armed and risky.
One of the injured security guards was employed by Target as a loss prevention officer,while the other worked for a private security firm contracted by the mall.
Judith Conway, a shopper who was inside the Target store during the shooting, recalled the chaotic scene in an interview with KABC-TV. “We heard several gunshots, and everyone just ran toward the back of the store, abandoning their shopping carts. We did whatever we could to get to safety,” Conway saeid, describing the terror and confusion that gripped the shoppers.
Thankfully, there were no reports of other injuries among the shoppers.
## Attempted Robbery Leads to Shooting at Downtown LA Shopping Plaza
**Archyde News - Exclusively Online**
welcome back. We’re live with Detective Ramirez from the Los Angeles police Department to discuss the concerning incident that unfolded last night at the FIGat7th shopping plaza.detective Ramirez, thank you for joining us.
**Detective Ramirez:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde News:** Can you please walk us through what transpired at the Target store last night?
**Detective Ramirez:** Shortly after 8 pm, officers responded to reports of shots fired at the FIGat7th plaza. Upon arrival,we discovered two security guards had sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to apprehend a shoplifter exiting the Target store.
**Archyde News:** What prompted the altercation?
**Detective Ramirez:** The suspect was trying to flee the scene with a important amount of stolen merchandise, estimated to be worth over $1,000. When confronted by the security personnel, the suspect opened fire, injuring both guards before escaping on foot.
**Archyde News:** How are the security guards doing?
**Detective Ramirez:**
Both guards were transported to a local hospital and are thankfully in stable condition. We are hopeful for their full recovery.
**Archyde News:**
Has the suspect been apprehended?
**Detective Ramirez:** We are actively pursuing leads and reviewing surveillance footage from the shopping plaza. We urge anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward. Any detail, no matter how small, coudl be crucial to our inquiry.
**archyde News:** This is certainly a disturbing incident. Are there heightened security concerns in the area following this event?
**Detective Ramirez:**
The safety of the public is our top priority. The LAPD is working closely with FIGat7th management to review security measures and ensure the safety of shoppers and store personnel. we will continue to have an increased police presence in the area as we pursue the suspect.
**Archyde News:** Detective Ramirez, thank you for your time and for shedding light on this developing situation. We will continue to follow this story closely.
## Archyde Interview: Downtown LA Shooting Highlights growing retail theft Concerns
**Today we’re joined by Detective Sarah Thompson of the Los Angeles Police Department to discuss the terrifying shooting that took place at the FIGat7th shopping plaza on Monday night.**
**Detective Thompson, thank you for joining us. can you walk us through what happened?**
**Detective Thompson:** Absolutely. Two security guards were shot during an altercation with a shoplifter at the Target store located within the FIGat7th mall. The suspect attempted to flee with over $1,000 worth of stolen merchandise, and during the confrontation, he discharged at least five rounds. One of the guards returned fire, but the suspect escaped. Both guards sustained injuries, but thankfully, they are expected to recover.We are actively searching for the suspect and urging anyone with data to come forward immediately.
**This incident seems especially brazen. Is this indicative of a larger trend of retail theft in Los Angeles?**
**Detective Thompson:** sadly, yes. Retail theft has been a growing concern, not just in Los Angeles but across the country. We’ve seen an increase in brazen shoplifting incidents, sometimes involving groups of individuals targeting high-value goods.
**We’ve also seen recent changes in California law regarding shoplifting. Do you believe these changes, such as Proposition 47, have contributed to the problem?**
**Detective Thompson:** While it’s difficult to isolate one factor as the sole cause, it’s fair to say that changes in sentencing guidelines have played a role. Some argue that classifying theft under $950 as a misdemeanor has emboldened criminals.
**What steps is the LAPD taking to address this issue?**
**Detective Thompson:** We’re working on a multi-pronged approach. This includes increased patrols in retail areas, collaboration with retail stores on loss prevention strategies, and increased public awareness campaigns.We also need the cooperation of the community in reporting suspicious activity and providing information about suspects.
**Detective thompson, this is a serious issue impacting both businesses and individuals. What message do you have for the public? **
**Detective Thompson:** We need to stand united against retail theft. Be vigilant, report suspicious activity, and cooperate with law enforcement. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
**Detective Thompson, thank you for your insights. We hope the injured security guards make a swift recovery,and we wish you luck in apprehending the suspect.**
