Two suspected robbers are in critical condition this morning after a Los Angeles area dispensary owner opened fire on them as they entered the storefront. At least one of the would-be robbers were armed with an assault rifle, a sheriff’s spokesperson told reporters, and both were wearing bulletproof vests.
According to CBS Los Angeles, the incident occurred at the HP Med Collective, which is located in a Walnut Park storefront with no signage. The owner identified himself to reporters only as Ike, declining to provide a last name.
The shooting took place around 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Thomas Giandomenico, according to KTLA. The owner said he saw the suspected robbers on surveillance video as they were entering the store.
“They were there to kill us,” he told KTLA.
According to Giandomenico, the owner opened fire on the two suspected robbers, striking them multiple times. It’s unclear whether the suspects fired any shots during the incident, the lieutenant said.
The owner was questioned and released following the shooting, and no other related injuries were reported.
Giandomenico said authorities are currently treating the shooting as a matter of self-defense, but it could develop into a homicide case. The investigation is ongoing.
