Victim Shoots and Kills Robbery Suspect

Los Angeles:  A 22-year-old would-be robber was fatally shot by a store clerk during an armed robbery Wednesday.

On October 4, 2006, at around 1:00 p.m., Lonnell Davison went to the "U Save Variety Store" in the 5100 block of South Western Avenue and posed as a customer. Davison picked up some merchandise and walked to the counter. He then pulled out a handgun and demanded money. Davison took the money from the clerk and fired one round as he left. The clerk fired back, and Davison dropped his handgun and ran away.

Shortly thereafter, around 1:45 p.m., patrol officers were dispatched to Slauson Avenue and La Brea Boulevard to meet Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputies regarding a shooting victim. The deputies had just picked up the wounded Davison after hearing shots in the area of 54th Street and Van Ness. Davison was transported to local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators interviewed the store clerk who told them that he had shot Davison in self-defense during the robbery. The clerk positively identified Davison as the robbery suspect.

Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to call 77th Street Homicide Detectives at 213-485-1383. After hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Comments

[Jerry]

This guy got what he deserved.

Another reason why concealed-carry should be allowed in Los Angeles County.

[Grade F]

This happens far less often in LA than one would expect, doesn't it?

A few years ago, an LA robber tried to carjack a van carrying Florida International University's judo team. They delivered some instant street justice to him. I understand he was pretty grateful for the police to arrive and take him into their relatively painless custody.

[Chad]

The clerk should be applauded his level of restraint during the commission of a crime. He was armed and could have easily escalated the situation, but only fired when he was fired upon. He would have been justified had he shot the robber immediately, but in the current political climate in California, I wonder if he would be facing prosecution. A police officer following procedure would have (justifiably) drawn a weapon and shot the suspect immediately. In light of those two scenarios, I am lead to believe that there is a double standard for self defense between civilians and law enforcement.

[bob]

This is the reason why we should legalize automatic weapons in California. If the clerk would have been able to hold hold his finger on the trigger and hit the robbery suspect with 20 rounds, he wouldn't have been a danger to society for another 45 minutes.

[Marcus]

Info on this shooting? Sounds like the case is closed.

[Sergeant Segura]

Chad,

You were "led to believe" incorrectly, there is no double standard for self defense.

Both civilians and law enforcement personnel have the right to defend themselves. If circumstances warrant, as in the case of the U Save Variety Store clerk, self defense can rise to the level of deadly force. I hope this clarifies the incident for you.

Sgt. L. Segura

[rg]

Great ending!