Shopkeeper Kills Suspect In Santa Monica Robbery: Reports

SANTA MONICA, CA — The owner of a shoe store shot and killed a man Sunday night during an attempted robbery on the Third Street Promenade, according to reports.

The shooting occurred at around 9:30 p.m. at Sole & Laces, located on the Promenade between Santa Monica Boulevard and Arizona Avenue. The owner was working with a customer after it closed to the public, according to the Los Angeles Times.

During that interaction, a second man — believed to be connected to the customer in the store — entered the store and sprayed the owner with pepper spray, the Times reported.

A struggle ensued and the owner shot the suspect with a gun he owned legally, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press.

The suspect was taken to a local hospital and later died from his injuries, according to the Times.

The customer who arranged for the private sale was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the attempted robbery, the Times reported.