An investigation is underway after a customer shot and killed a man inside a Compton store who was reportedly threatening customers after groping a female victim, officials announced.
The Oct. 19 incident, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, occurred just before 3:30 p.m. in the 1300 block of Alondra Boulevard, near the intersection of Poinsettia Avenue.
A preliminary investigation revealed that an unidentified man followed a female customer into a beauty supply store and groped her, prompting employees at the establishment to demand he leave the premises.
“The male became increasingly verbally assaultive toward employees and customers, “the release noted. “He started throwing and damaging merchandise in the store. The incident escalated rapidly.”
While the man was reportedly threatening to kill and harm customers and employees, witnesses told investigators that they believed he was armed with a knife.
“A second customer in the store, fearing for the store employees, herself and other customers, retrieved a personal firearm and fired a warning at the male,” investigators said. “The male turned toward that customer, fearing she was going to be attacked, fired a second shot striking the male.”
L.A. deputies and personnel with the Compton Fire Department responded to the scene where the man was pronounced dead by paramedics.
In footage of the investigation posted to the Citizen App, a large presence of deputies could be seen at the location, which was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape, well into the evening hours.
Based on video evidence viewed by authorities, they believe there were additional witnesses inside the store and in the parking lot when the ordeal happened and asking anyone who may have information to come forward and contact LASD’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
Authorities did not provide any information on the customer who shot the man, nor did they report any arrests, though they said the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
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