CONCORD, Calif. – A late-night convenience store robbery in Concord ended in deadly gunfire when a store employee shot and killed an armed suspect [dead right there] in what authorities and witnesses describe as a clear case of self-defense.
The incident took place at the S&S Fast and Easy Mart on Willow Pass Road just before midnight on Friday. According to police, the suspect entered the store wielding a shotgun and demanded an employee open the safe. Another employee, upon seeing the threat unfold, acted swiftly and fired his own weapon, striking the suspect. The armed robber was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses Describe the Scene
Local resident Tao Villavicencio recalled seeing the suspect walking toward the store before the incident. “I see the guy walking from that corner. He’s got a shotgun in his right hand,” he said, adding that he immediately ran back to his house and called 911.
Customers who frequent the store were quick to voice support for the employee who intervened.
“It was his life or theirs. He defended himself,” said Dustin Lotspeich. Another customer, Dustin Reed, emphasized the necessity of self-protection. “They’re protecting their property and their business. They’re protecting the other employees.”
Legal Questions Arise, But Charges Unlikely
In the wake of the shooting, legal experts weighed in on whether the store employee could face charges. Michael Cardoza, a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, believes the situation was a clear-cut case of self-defense.
“Here’s a guy with a shotgun walking in – that sends a pretty loud message that yes, y’all are in danger here,” he explained.
So far, neither the Contra Costa District Attorney’s office nor Concord police have indicated that charges are forthcoming.
“I think the DA is going to be hesitant to file this case because they know if they bring it to a jury, the chances of getting a conviction are rather slim,” Cardoza noted. “People in this community are sick and tired of the crimes.”
Store Owners and Community React
This isn’t the first time the S&S Fast and Easy Mart has been targeted. Store employees and customers say crime has been a growing problem in the area, with previous incidents of theft and break-ins. Store owner Gary Sharma expressed his gratitude for the community’s support.
“My customers are coming in in tears, saying, ‘We are so glad you guys are okay.’ That means a lot.”
In response to the latest crime, the store has increased its security measures, handing over surveillance footage to police and installing additional cameras.
As Concord police continue their investigation, community members remain firm in their stance—self-defense is a fundamental right, and law-abiding citizens shouldn’t have to live in fear while simply trying to earn a living.
This case highlights the importance of responsible firearm ownership and the necessity of being prepared to protect oneself and others in the face of violent threats. Whether or not formal charges are pursued, public sentiment leans strongly in favor of the store employee’s right to self-defense in this life-or-death situation.
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One less violent criminal makes every day a little better
When you get more than 50 miles east of the coast, CA. residents get less “blue” especialy in smaller towns and rual areas!
This is what we need to see more of bad guys put to sleep by honest citizens.
Rights – don’t matter. Justified – doesn’t matter. Self-defense – doesn’t matter. What matters is: will the defender face time before a judge as a result of taking fully justifiable action to defend him/herself, because the political winds demand that the politicians make a fuss. Don’t even start with issues of race or color – just a) California, b) guns, c) death. Because once he is entrapped in the “justice system” – a system meant to protect the citizen, but which ERASES any hope of being able to enjoy the American Dream after the astronomical legal fees and endless appeals… Read more »
Second video WOULD NOT PLAY. “Sign in to prove you are not a bot” shows on the screen. HOW CAN I SIGN IN WHEN I AM ALREADY SIGNED IN????????????????
Why does “support.google.com” REFUSE to show videos? Is this their ACTION OF CENSORSHIP?
One less POS to deal with.Good job
“I think the DA is going to be hesitant to file this case because they know if they bring it to a jury, the chances of getting a conviction are rather slim,” Cardoza noted.
Cardoza’s statement makes it clear. The DA isn’t considering the moral justification of defense but rather the likelihood of being able to crucify the shooter in the eyes of the jury and to get another “notch” in his legal resume.
Perfect case of FAFO!!