Azusa police shoot and kill man suspected of robbing adult store

AZUSA, CA--An Azusa police officer shot and killed a man Monday after he tried to rob a 24-hour store that sells adult videos and other sex-themed merchandise, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

The victim was identified only as a male Hispanic in his 20s.

The release of additional information was withheld pending verification of his identity and notification of family, according to Lt. Joe Bale of the L.A. County Department of Coroner.

The L.A. County Sheriff's Department is investigating the fatal officer-involved shooting.

The incident began shortly before 12:30 a.m. Monday when an Azusa police officer was flagged down by the store clerk and a customer at Red Panty's Lingerie on Citrus Avenue, just south of Gladstone Street in Azusa who said the store had just been robbed, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Department.

They pointed out the suspect to the officer, who then attempted to detain the suspect at gunpoint.

However, the suspect was uncooperative and ran across the street, the statement said.

According to the statement, the Azusa officer followed the suspect, saw the suspect reach into his waistband, then shot him.

The man was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The officer, who was not identified, was not hurt.

Prior to the shooting, the suspect allegedly tried to rob the store by "simulating" a weapon and demanding cash, according to the sheriff's statement. It did not say whether any weapon was recovered.

The suspect fled without any money when he saw the officer pull into the parking lot, the statement said.