Santa Monica Store Owner Fatally Shoots Suspect in Targeted Robbery

A deadly attempted robbery occurred on Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade during an after-hours private sale when a business owner was sprayed with a chemical irritant by an intruder. The legally armed store owner shot the suspect during a struggle, who later died at a hospital. The incident involved a known associate who arranged the meeting and was arrested on charges including homicide, robbery, and conspiracy. Authorities emphasized the event was targeted, involved individuals who knew each other, and posed no ongoing threat to the community. The store owner was unharmed and is cooperating fully with investigators. Police continue to investigate and have urged anyone with information to come forward.