Investigators claimed that a guy who allegedly shot two security officers at a downtown Target was taken into custody by SWAT units of the Los Angeles Police Department on Tuesday at his apartment complex in the Westlake District.
According to the LAPD, the incident occurred just before 9 p.m. on Monday outside the store near 7th Street and Figueroa Street. The guards were attempting to stop someone who was attempting to flee with a suitcase full of stolen goods. According to police, the guy is seen trying to leave the business with the suitcase on surveillance footage.
“And during that scuffle, the suspect produced a pistol and fired indiscriminately, shooting two people,” LAPD Captain Raul Jovel said to reporters during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. According to him, both people suffered serious injuries; one was discharged from emergency care on Tuesday morning, while the other was kept in critical condition at the hospital.
In addition to releasing CCTV footage of the suspect on Tuesday, the LAPD described his physical attributes and stated that he is thought to be “armed and dangerous.” According to Jovel, law enforcement finds the shooting’s “unprovoked” and “indiscriminate” nature “particularly troubling” and “just goes to show that this individual is really dangerous.”
He remarked, “It’s very scary,” “Sadly, the suspect managed to escape. I’m fairly certain that we’ll take him into custody. Someone will definitely recognize him and give us a call.
According to Jovel, during the course of the shooting, the suspect fired at least five bullets, and one of the guards returned fire with at least ten rounds. According to him, it’s unclear if the suspect was also hit and hurt.
Jovel remarked, “We’re lucky nobody got killed in this incident,” claiming that the gunman had “a wanton disregard for human life, basically.”
Jovel later stated that it is thought the suspect went on foot, despite the LAPD’s statement from Tuesday morning stating that he fled the scene on a bicycle. According to him, one of the guards works as a Target loss prevention officer, and the other is an armed security guard for the mall.
According to Jovel, the suspect’s purportedly stolen goods, which were abandoned at the site, are estimated to be worth between $1,400 and $1,600.
Both victims had gunshot wounds when police got on the scene Monday night, according to the police, and one of them was unconscious and not breathing. On Tuesday, LAPD revealed that both of the victims were security guards, although the police had claimed that only one of them was on the night of the shooting.
According to a statement from the LAPD, the suspect is thought to be between 20 and 25 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall, and 160 pounds in weight. He used a 9mm semi-automatic pistol, according to the police, and at the time, he was dressed in gray slacks, a black jacket, a purple scarf, and a black head covering.
According to Jovel, investigators thought the guy might still be armed because the weapon hasn’t been found yet.
According to the LAPD, anyone who spots the suspect should phone 911 and avoid approaching him.
Police previously stated that the guards are not directly employed by Target. The retailer has been contacted for comment by CBS News Los Angeles.
Target, not the shopping center, is the employer of the guards, according to a statement issued by the store, which is part of the downtown FIGat7th shopping center.
According to the statement, “We are deeply troubled by the incident that happened last night,” “We are working closely with the Los Angeles Police Department and are grateful for their swift action and response.”
To “focus on supporting our team,” Target closed the site, according to a representative.
Given the contradictory information that has been made public thus far, CBS News Los Angeles is seeking to verify the identities of the two guards’ employers.
A report regarding the suspect’s potential location in an apartment building in the Westlake District was given to LAPD on Tuesday. According to the LAPD, a SWAT standoff resulted from the subject refusing to leave the apartment when authorities arrived. After the hours-long confrontation, the man was taken into custody by officers, according to LAPD.
Jabril Metoyer, age 26, has been identified as the suspect. His bail is slightly more than $3 million.
During business hours, anyone with information can contact LAPD Central Robbery Detective Alvarez #36151 at 213-833-3750. Outside of regular business hours, the LAPD Central Area Watch Commander can be contacted at 213-486-6618.
Tips can be sent to LA Regional Crime Stoppers by visiting lacrimestoppers.org or by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) if you would want to remain anonymous.
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