A gun store owner in Livermore, California fatally shot a man who attempted to rob the store on Sunday, according to local police. The identity of the suspected robber, a 28-year-old Redwood City man, has not been released.
The incident took place around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at East Bay Firearms, located at 4049 First St. Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that the suspect entered the store in a suspicious manner, concealing his identity with a mask, a hooded sweatshirt pulled over his head, and gloves.
Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect tried to rob the gun store by attempting to seize a handgun that was being handled by a customer while brandishing a hammer as a weapon.
The gun store owner, whose identity remains undisclosed, responded by firing two shots from his own handgun, fatally injuring the suspect. Despite life-saving efforts by police and paramedics at the scene, the man succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities stated that the gun store owner is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Initial indications from the police suggest that the shooting may be considered an act of self-defense.
At the time of the attempted robbery, there were five customers inside the store, all of whom escaped unharmed.
The police are working to establish how the suspect arrived at the store, as no vehicles in the vicinity have been connected to him.
The Livermore Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Bureau is actively pursuing the case, with detectives following up on leads. Individuals with information that may assist the investigation are encouraged to contact the Livermore Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 925-371-4790.
