Temecula Armed Robbery, Shooting: Arrest Made

TEMECULA, CA — A 25-year-old Temecula man suspected of armed robbery in the city this week was out of custody on $30,000 bail, county records show.

Erik Lukas Kittmer was released from Southwest Detention Center on Thursday following his arrest at approximately 8 a.m. that same day in the 44600 block of Lorraine Drive in Temecula, jail records show.

The investigation began at approximately 2:40 a.m. Tuesday when deputies were called to a business in the 44500 block of Bedford Court in Temecula regarding an armed robbery and shooting, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Bedford Court, located off Temecula Parkway just east of Interstate 15, is home to a gas station, convenience store and fast food restaurant, among other businesses.

During their investigation, deputies learned a man entered the business and walked out with stolen merchandise. When a "store employee" tried to get the merchandise back, a struggle ensued, the sheriff's department reported.

"During the confrontation, it was reported the suspect pulled out a firearm and discharged it once," according to the sheriff's department.

No one was hit by the gunfire and the suspect drove off, the department said.

Through leads and video surveillance footage, investigators identified Kittmer as the suspect; he was tracked down to the Lorraine Drive address and taken into custody without incident, according to the sheriff's department.

"Deputies located several items of evidence linking Kittmer to the robbery, including a black semi-automatic handgun," the law enforcement agency reported.

Kittmer was booked on suspicion of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, but formal charges were not filed as of early Friday afternoon, court records show.

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to contact Investigator Jeffrey Andrews of the Southwest Sheriff's Station: 951-696-3000.