Crime

Calif. Jeweler Shoots, Kills Robbery Suspect

CrimeMar 10, 2016

Calif. Jeweler Shoots, Kills Robbery Suspect

The owner of Leilani’s Jewelers in Torrance, Calif. shot and killed a man who allegedly was trying to rob his store on Tuesday.

Torrance, Calif.--A California jewelry store owner shot and killed a man who allegedly attempted to rob his store on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident occurred around noon at Leilani’s Jewelers in Torrance, Calif.

According to the Torrance Police Department, the store owner called them to report a person who was shot as the result of an attempted robbery.

The suspect burst into the store with a gun but the owner had a gun of his own and opened fire, hitting and killing the suspect, police said.

Only the store owner and the suspect were in Leilani’s Jewelers at the time of the incident.

Police found a gun at the scene, which they believe belonged to the suspect, who had no identification on him. It didn’t appear that he fired any shots.

The suspect was identified late Wednesday as 20-year-old Keon Bailey, according to the Manhattan Beach Patch.

Calls to the store for comment were not returned by press time.

The store owner has been cooperating with police, and detectives are looking for surveillance footage and witnesses for assistance in the investigation.

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

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