72-Year-Old Store Owner Shot in the Head during Attempted Robbery NR09597rf

Los Angeles:  Yesterday at about 4:10 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Rampart Area patrol officers and detectives found a 72-year-old man who owns a 98-Cent Store at 1316 Venice Boulevard, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head as a result of an attempted robbery.  

There were three suspects in the shooting/robbery attempt.  They are described as a male Hispanic wearing a black Hoodie sweatshirt, another male Hispanic wearing a grey Hoodie sweatshirt, and a third man of unknown ethnicity wearing a grey long-sleeve pullover shirt with a black beanie knit cap.  All three also appeared to be wearing black knit gloves.

As they entered the store, the first suspect stopped at the front counter and confronted the store owner.  The second suspect walked around the counter while the third stood by the front door as a lookout.  

Suspect #1 proceeded to remove a chrome-plated revolver from his waistband and point it at the store owner/victim.  When the store owner attempted to reach for the suspect’s gun, suspect #1 pulled away.  Then suspect #2 approached the victim from behind but backed away quickly when the victim lunged in his direction.  At that point, suspect #1 fired one shot, striking the store owner in the head and causing him to fall to the floor.  The suspects then left the store without any stolen property and headed eastbound until they were out of sight.  The incident occurred while the victim’s wife and two older children were in the store.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and remains in very critical condition.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact LAPD Rampart Division detectives at 213-484-3450.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to
(877) LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.