A woman shot and killed a man inside a Compton beauty supply store after he allegedly groped a customer, threatened others, and began destroying merchandise. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking witnesses.

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COMPTON, CA (3-minute read) — Authorities in Compton are investigating a fatal shooting that took place inside a beauty supply store after a disturbing confrontation escalated to violence. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the incident happened around 3:30 p.m. on October 19 at a store located in the 1300 block of Alondra Boulevard.

Officials say the incident began when an unidentified man followed a woman into the store and inappropriately groped her. Store employees quickly intervened and demanded the man leave. However, things took a turn for the worse when he began yelling at staff and customers, throwing products off the shelves, and acting aggressively.

Witnesses reported that the man threatened to kill people in the store, and some believed he was armed with a knife. Fearing for her safety and the safety of others, another female customer retrieved her legally-owned personal firearm. According to deputies, she fired a warning shot. When the man turned toward her in what she perceived as a threatening manner, she fired again, striking him.

Paramedics from the Compton Fire Department pronounced the man dead at the scene. Deputies continued their investigation well into the evening, with the store taped off as evidence was collected.

The woman who fired the shots has not been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made at this time. Authorities emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation and are urging anyone who witnessed the event, whether inside the store or in the parking lot, to contact LASD’s Homicide Bureau.

Concealed Carry and Defensive Use of a Firearm

This case is likely to be closely examined under California’s self-defense laws, which allow for the use of deadly force if a person reasonably believes they or others are in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. Though warning shots are not typically recommended in defensive firearm training due to legal complications, the fact that the shooter fired only after perceiving a continued threat may be a key factor in the legal review.

As always, responsible gun ownership includes understanding the laws of self-defense and concealed carry, as well as ensuring your firearm is both legally carried and used appropriately in high-stress situations.

Safety Tip: Always be aware of your local laws regarding self-defense and the use of deadly force. If you carry a firearm for personal protection, seek out reputable training courses that include scenario-based instruction, so you’re prepared both legally and mentally to respond to real-world threats.