LANCASTER, CA – A machete-armed man was fatally shot by Los Angeles County deputies during an incident at a Lancaster Albertsons supermarket on Tuesday. The suspect was reportedly equipped with a machete in each hand and was threatening patrons inside the store, located on the 43500 block of 20th Street West. The incident unraveled around 9:30 a.m., as reported by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Despite commands to drop the lethal weapons, the man allegedly charged toward the deputies. This act ultimately led to his shooting, stated Lt. Michael Gomez. The man was later pronounced dead at the hospital. At least three deputies used their service weapons during the encounter.
The same individual was noticed earlier that day- around 3:45 a.m.- harassing a gas station clerk with one of the machetes. The gas station in question was located mere blocks away from the scene of the final confrontation.
Witnesses present during the grocery store ordeal depicted it as chaotic. There were attempts to halt the armed man’s threatening behavior, including the deployment of tasers by law enforcement.
Post-incident investigations included a thorough check of the suspect’s vehicle present in the supermarket parking lot. The vehicle was of significant interest, primarily due to concerns about potential booby traps. However, the other commercial establishments continued normal operations despite the lockdown of the encompassing area.
According to off-the-record testimonials by fellow business owners, the man had been seen regularly in the vicinity. His identity is expected to be released after informing his next of kin.
The incident didn’t result in any injuries to deputies or civilians.