Cerritos, California, is the scene of a deadly shooting investigation after a man was killed inside a popular barbecue restaurant on Sunday afternoon.
Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded to Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que on South Street around 2:15 p.m. following reports of a man armed with a knife running through the business. Witnesses said the man tore through the kitchen and dining area, frightening customers and staff members who were inside at the time.
Armed Bystander Opens Fire
According to investigators, a man with a concealed carry permit confronted the knife-wielding suspect and ordered him to drop the weapon. When the suspect refused and instead charged toward him, the armed man fired his weapon, striking the suspect. Deputies arriving at the scene found the man suffering from both stab and gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead there.
Lieutenant German Ochoa of the LASD Homicide Bureau said preliminary evidence indicates the man who died is the same person who entered the restaurant with the knife. Investigators noted that the man appeared to be harming himself with the blade before the confrontation with the armed bystander occurred.
The man who fired the shot has been cooperating with investigators, and no further details about his identity have been released. City officials asked the public to avoid the 11300 block of South Street while deputies worked the scene, though they stressed there was no ongoing threat to the community.
Investigation Continues
Homicide detectives are treating the shooting as an isolated incident and continue to gather evidence from witnesses and surveillance footage around the restaurant. Aerial footage captured yellow crime scene tape wrapped around the business for several hours after the shooting, along with multiple sheriff’s vehicles parked nearby.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not indicated whether any charges will be filed against the man who fired the shot. Sheriff’s officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Anyone with details can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323 890 5500. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800 222 8477 or submit a tip online.
This is a developing story, and updates are expected as investigators release more information about what led to the confrontation and whether additional evidence will be presented to prosecutors.
