Store Owner Shoots Would-be Robber in the Head

A Westminster jewelry store owner thwarted a robbery attempt today when he shot one of the two suspects in the head, authorities said.

The incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. at the Tick Tock Watch and Jewelry Repair store on the 9200 block of Bolsa Avenue, according to Westminster Police Sgt. Cameron Knauerhaze.

One of the two suspects allegedly went into the store in a wheelchair pretending to be a customer.

"Once inside the store, both suspects attempted to do a takeover robbery,'' Knauerhaze told ABC7 at the scene. "They ordered all the patrons and the employees down to the ground."

One of the shop's owners was in the back of the store at the time of the robbery and armed himself with a handgun, according to police. He then confronted the gunman.

Knauerhaze said, the "shop owner gave the suspect ample opportunity and warning to drop his gun."

"The suspect chose not to drop his gun, continued to point the gun at
the customers and the shop owner,'' the sergeant said. "The shop owner fired at the suspect one time, striking him in the head."

Both suspects, including the one who had been shot, ran from the store.

The injured suspect was quickly captured by police responding to the scene, Knauerhaze said. The other suspect was caught by a bystander and a security guard.

The injured suspect was taken to UCI Medical Center in Orange in critical condition, according to Orange County Fire Authority Cpt. Marc Stone.

Another person, who was not shot, was taken to Fountain Valley Hospital to be treated for minor injuries, Stone said. It was not immediately clear if the second suspect was the other person hospitalized.

Police are still looking for a third suspect, who is believed to be the getaway driver, Knauerhaze said. He said the suspect was driving possibly a 2008 to 2010 four-door Honda Accord.

-- City News Service