Compton, CA — A woman shot and killed a man who allegedly groped and attacked customers inside a Compton store, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Investigators say the man became violent after being asked to leave and appeared to be armed, prompting a customer to open fire in self-defense.
Deputies from the Compton Sheriff’s Station responded to an emergency call around Sunday evening regarding a disturbance at a shopping center in the 1300 block of East Alondra Boulevard. The call was soon updated to report a gunshot victim.
Chaos Erupts Inside the Store
According to a preliminary investigation, an unidentified man followed a woman into the store and groped her moments after entering. Store employees quickly intervened and asked him to leave, but witnesses said he became verbally aggressive and started throwing merchandise around the store.
Authorities told The Los Angeles Times that the man’s behavior escalated when he appeared to hold an object in his hand that employees believed was a knife.
“The man threatened to kill and harm everyone in the store,” officials said in a news release from the Sheriff’s Department.
Fearing for their safety, employees and customers began to back away, while one customer decided to act.
Armed Customer Fires Two Shots
Investigators said that a female customer, concerned for her own safety and that of others, retrieved a personal firearm and fired a warning shot at the man.
“A second customer in the store, fearing for the store employees, herself, and other customers, retrieved a personal firearm and fired a warning shot at the male,” the report stated.
When the man turned toward her, investigators said, she believed he was about to attack — prompting her to fire a second shot, which struck him.
Deputies arrived within minutes to find the man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation and Witness Appeal
Detectives say video footage from inside the store confirmed the sequence of events and showed multiple customers present when the confrontation occurred. The Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau believes that additional witnesses may have information critical to the investigation.
“Investigators are asking anyone who was in the store or in the parking lot and saw the man to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau,” the department said.
Authorities have not released the identities of the shooter or the deceased man, pending notification of next of kin and further investigation.
Contact Information for Witnesses
Officials urge anyone with information about the incident to reach out to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-8477, using the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
Community Reactions
Residents in Compton have expressed mixed emotions about the incident — with some calling the woman’s actions self-defense and others urging a closer review of gun use in public spaces. Law enforcement officials emphasized that California’s self-defense laws allow the use of deadly force when a person reasonably believes they are in imminent danger.
The Sheriff’s Department continues to review all evidence and witness statements to determine whether charges will be filed.
What are your thoughts on this case of self-defense in Compton? Share your views in the comments below.
