West Hills, CA — Tragic Deputy Shooting in Shopping Center
An 18-year-old male was shot and killed Thursday evening in a deputy-involved incident in the parking lot of a shopping center in West Hills, California, local law enforcement confirmed. The shooting occurred near a Michaels craft store shortly after 8:40 p.m. when detectives attempted to intervene in what they believed was an armed robbery.
Detectives Intervene in Suspected Armed Robbery
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau were conducting surveillance linked to a series of recent robberies in the region when they observed a male suspect approach a woman in the Fallbrook Avenue shopping plaza. The suspect was allegedly armed with a semi-automatic handgun and attempted to commit an armed robbery. Deputies exited their vehicle and tried to stop the crime. During the confrontation, one deputy discharged their weapon, striking the suspect. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, the teen was pronounced dead.
Authorities later recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun near the victim, and a female accomplice fled the scene. She was located and taken into custody in a neighboring area without further incident.
Family Speaks Out & Ongoing Investigation
While law enforcement has not publicly released the names of the deceased or the deputy involved, relatives identified the victim as an 18-year-old from Riverside County who had recently graduated from high school. Family members expressed shock and heartbreak, stating the behavior leading to the shooting was unlike him.
The sheriff’s department is investigating whether this incident is tied to other armed robbery reports and a separate assault with a deadly weapon in the area. Officials are urging community members with information to reach out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau.
