LOS ANGELES, CA — A suspected armed robbery in the Winnetka neighborhood of Los Angeles turned deadly Saturday afternoon when a man allegedly targeted in the attempted crime fatally shot his attacker after a struggle. The man was later arrested, and the incident remains under investigation.
According to My News LA, the incident occurred around 4:10 p.m. in the 20400 block of Sherman Way. A 31-year-old man was reportedly in an alley when a 36-year-old man approached him and attempted to carry out a robbery. The would-be robber allegedly fired shots during the confrontation. The intended victim engaged in a struggle, managed to disarm the assailant, and then fired a shot, striking the attacker.
Paramedics arrived and transported the wounded man to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities have not yet released the names of either individual involved.
Despite initially appearing to act in self-defense, the 31-year-old man was taken into custody, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Division confirmed Sunday. Details regarding the exact charges have not been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
This incident is a stark reminder of how dangerous and unpredictable physical disarms can be. Engaging in a struggle over a firearm carries extreme risk, but in this case, it appears the man did what he needed to do to defend himself. While the full details have not yet been released, his subsequent arrest underscores the legal uncertainties that can follow any self-defense encounter. This is why it is critical to consider self-defense legal coverage, such as what is offered by CCW Safe. Even when acting lawfully, having support in the aftermath can make all the difference.