West Hills, California — Authorities are investigating a deputy-involved shooting that left a teenager dead outside a shopping plaza in West Hills late Thursday night, an incident that unfolded during what detectives say was an attempted armed robbery.
The fatal shooting occurred around 8:40 p.m. on January 22 in the 6600 block of Fallbrook Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The incident took place outside a retail store in the plaza, prompting a large law enforcement response and an ongoing homicide investigation.
What Authorities Say Happened
According to an updated statement released Friday by the Sheriff’s Department, detectives from the agency’s Major Crimes Bureau were conducting an investigation when they allegedly observed an armed robbery in progress at the shopping center.
Investigators say deputies attempted to intervene to stop the robbery and protect a woman believed to be the intended victim.
“While attempting to prevent the robbery from occurring and to protect the female victim from harm, a deputy-involved shooting occurred,” the department stated.
During the encounter, a deputy fired their weapon, striking the male suspect. Authorities said the deputy immediately rendered medical aid until personnel from the Los Angeles City Fire Department arrived at the scene.
Despite lifesaving efforts, the suspect was pronounced dead at 8:48 p.m., less than ten minutes after the shooting.
Victim Identified By Family As Teenager
Law enforcement officials have not released the name or age of the person who was killed, citing the ongoing investigation. However, a woman who spoke with local media identified the victim as her 18-year-old grandson.
“I have no idea what happened,” the woman said. “He just came to stay with me for a day and went out with his girlfriend. Then the girlfriend called my daughter and said my grandson had been shot. I still can’t believe it.”
The teenager’s mother also spoke publicly, expressing disbelief and grief over the incident.
“This does not sound like my son at all,” she said. “He comes from a good family. He graduated high school last year. I’m heartbroken. I’m in shock. I don’t know how to process this.”
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Weapon Recovered, Accomplice Detained
Investigators say a loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered at the location where the suspect was shot. Authorities allege the weapon was in the possession of the male suspect during the incident.
Police also confirmed that a female accomplice fled the scene immediately following the shooting. She was later located in Agoura Hills and detained without incident.
No charges related to the accomplice have been announced as of Friday, and investigators have not disclosed her relationship to the deceased.
Deputy And Investigative Details Withheld
The Sheriff’s Department has not released the identity of the deputy involved in the shooting, nor have officials provided details about how many shots were fired.
As with all deputy-involved shootings, the case is being reviewed by the department’s Homicide Bureau, which is standard protocol. Officials said the investigation will examine whether the use of force complied with department policy.
Possible Links To Other Crimes Being Investigated
Authorities also revealed that detectives are actively investigating two recent armed robberies and an assault with a deadly weapon in the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station area.
Those incidents involved a male suspect reportedly armed with a semi-automatic handgun. Officials have not confirmed whether the shooting outside the West Hills shopping plaza is directly connected to those cases.
“At this time, investigators have not stated whether the incidents are related,” the department said.
Community Reaction And Ongoing Questions
The shooting has sparked renewed discussion in the community about law enforcement encounters, youth violence, and transparency surrounding deputy-involved shootings.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional information may be released as evidence is reviewed and witness statements are analyzed.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Should more details be released sooner in deputy-involved shootings? Share your perspective in the comments below.
