Market owner fires on armed robber, prompting SPPD warning

January 09, 2009
Santa Paula Police Department

An East Main Street storeowner fired on an armed robber who got away with an undisclosed amount of cash, an action that prompted a warning from a Santa Paula Police spokesman.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesAn East Main Street storeowner fired on an armed robber who got away with an undisclosed amount of cash, an action that prompted a warning from a Santa Paula Police spokesman.The incident occurred Monday, Jan. 5 at about 9:30 p.m. when SPPD Lt. Carlos Juarez said a subject entered Central Market, 1101 E. Main St., armed with a handgun.The subject took an undisclosed amount of cash and as he left, “The owner chased him outside and discharged his firearm,” a .45 caliber handgun, twice.The market owner missed the suspect but bullets did strike a parked vehicle.Lt. Juarez noted that although “Our detectives were focused on the robbery they were also concerned with the store owner’s actions and spoke to the owner,” regarding same. SPPD Detectives were “Concerned enough that they took his weapon away...”
Although Lt. Juarez said no charges have been filed against the market owner “His actions,” included in the SPPD robbery report “will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office.”Lt. Juarez said safety is an issue: “We encourage people involved in this type of situation to be compliant with the person’s demand and just be a very good witness,” by trying to remember a physical description of the suspect as well as other aspects of the incident. Those confronted should “Not take any personal actions to put themselves - and the public - in further danger.”The robbery, which Lt. Juarez said detectives believe at this point, only involves one suspect, remains under investigation.The SPPD is also requesting that those with “Any information, anyone who might have seen someone running in the area or entering any type of vehicle” during the robbery timeframe to contact the SPPD Detectives at 525-4474. If a caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-4253-1-#.Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Callers remain anonymous and can collect a $1,000 reward if information offered results in a conviction.



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