West Hills, California – A suspected armed robbery ended in a fatal deputy-involved shooting Thursday night at a busy shopping center in West Hills, according to Los Angeles County authorities. Investigators say the confrontation occurred as deputies intervened in a robbery believed to be part of a larger crime spree across the western San Fernando Valley.
Incident Overview
The shooting was reported at approximately 8:40 p.m. in the parking lot of a Michaels arts and crafts store at the Fallbrook Center shopping mall. Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department fatally shot a man suspected of committing an armed robbery moments earlier.
Authorities confirmed that a woman believed to be involved in the same series of crimes was taken into custody later that night following a vehicle pursuit.
Timeline of Events
According to sheriff’s officials, detectives had been actively surveilling a man and woman suspected of involvement in multiple armed robberies across Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, and surrounding communities.
While monitoring the suspects Thursday evening, deputies observed what they described as a robbery in progress outside the Michaels store. Deputies immediately intervened, leading to an altercation during which the male suspect was shot and killed.
Following the shooting, the female suspect fled the area in a vehicle. Authorities said the pursuit ended near Agoura Road and Lewis Road, where the woman was arrested without further incident.
Details From Deputies and Officials
The sheriff’s department confirmed that a loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered at the scene. Investigators are working to determine whether the weapon was displayed or used during the robbery.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots.
“At first we thought maybe it’s a car going by fast,” said Shawn Dadon, who was dining nearby with his family. “Then it stopped for three to four seconds, and then another chain of like six to seven bullets again.”
Officials noted that the exact circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation, as is standard protocol in deputy-involved shootings. Additional details about the confrontation have not yet been released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which conducts such investigations through its internal review process.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Time of shooting: 8:40 p.m.
- Location: Fallbrook Center, Michaels store parking lot, West Hills
- Suspect status: Male suspect deceased, female suspect arrested
- Weapon recovered: Loaded semi-automatic handgun
- Agency involved: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Connection to Earlier Armed Robberies
Sheriff’s officials believe the suspects are linked to a series of armed robberies that began earlier this month.
The first reported incident occurred on the evening of January 13 along Calabasas Road, west of Valley Circle Boulevard, where a woman was allegedly robbed of her handbag at gunpoint.
Two additional incidents were reported on January 21. One robbery occurred around 7:40 p.m. at the Calabasas Commons near Calabasas Road and Park Granada, where another woman’s purse was taken at gunpoint. A second incident was reported around 9 p.m. near Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village, though it remains unclear whether property was taken during that encounter.
Investigators say these incidents share similar characteristics, leading detectives to believe they were carried out by the same suspects.
Witness Accounts and Scene Conditions
Aerial footage from a local news helicopter showed a heavy law enforcement presence surrounding the shopping center following the shooting. The Michaels storefront was visibly damaged, with multiple bullet holes seen in the store’s windows.
A security guard working at the shopping center, who requested anonymity, confirmed that customers were inside the store at the time of the shooting. No bystanders were reported injured.
Public Safety and Awareness
Law enforcement officials urge residents to remain alert, particularly in shopping centers and parking lots during evening hours. Authorities advise reporting suspicious behavior immediately and avoiding direct confrontation during suspected criminal activity.
Deputy-involved shootings are reviewed under strict procedures to determine compliance with department policy and state law. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
Conclusion
What began as surveillance of robbery suspects ended in a deadly confrontation that has shaken the West Hills community. As investigators continue to review the incident and its connection to a broader string of armed robberies, authorities are asking the public to remain vigilant and cooperative.
If you witnessed the incident or have information related to the robberies, law enforcement encourages you to come forward. Share your experiences in the comments below.
