At a Glance
- A young man was killed in a deputy-involved shooting on January 22, 2026 at 8:40 p.m.
- The incident occurred at the 6600 block of Fallbrook Avenue in West Hills, during an alleged armed robbery.
- A female accomplice was detained; a loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered.
Why it matters: The case intertwines a tragic shooting with ongoing investigations into recent armed robberies, raising questions about police response and community safety.
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A young man was killed in a deputy-involved shooting in California, according to police. The incident happened on January 22, 2026 at about 8:40 p.m. in a shopping plaza on the 6600 block of Fallbrook Avenue, in the city of West Hills. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Information Bureau released the details in an updated press release on January 23, 2026.
Incident Details
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau stated that detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau observed an armed robbery in progress. While attempting to prevent the robbery and protect a female victim, a deputy fired at the suspect. The suspect was rendered aid until the Los Angeles City Fire Department arrived, but he was pronounced dead on scene at 8:48 p.m.
Key facts:
- Suspect: identity not released; allegedly armed with a semi-automatic handgun.
- Female accomplice: fled the scene in a vehicle, later located in Agoura Hills and detained without incident.
- Weapon: a loaded semi-automatic handgun recovered where the suspect died.
Investigation and Police Statements
The Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the shooting was a response to an armed robbery attempt. They emphasized that the deputy’s actions were aimed at stopping the robbery and protecting the female victim.
“We are investigating the cause,” said a police spokesperson. The spokesperson added that the deputy involved was also rendered aid to the suspect before the suspect’s death.
Authorities are continuing to investigate two recent armed robberies and an assault with a deadly weapon that occurred in the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station policing area involving a male suspect armed with a semi-automatic handgun. It remains unclear whether these incidents are connected.
Victim and Family Reactions
A woman who declined to give her name told local media that the deceased was her 18-year-old grandson. She described the situation as shocking:
“I have no idea what happened. He just came to stay with me for a day last night and he went out with his girlfriend. The girlfriend called my daughter and told me my grandson got shot. I just can’t believe it,” she said.
The grandson’s mother, who also declined to share her identity, spoke with the news station and expressed her heartbreak:
“This does not sound like my son at all. This is not something my son would do at all. He comes from a good family. He graduated high school last year. I’m heartbroken. I’m in shock. I don’t know how to process this all,” she told the station.
Possible Connections to Other Crimes
Investigators are looking into whether the West Hills shooting is linked to:
- Two recent armed robberies.
- An assault with a deadly weapon in the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station area.
No definitive link has been announced, and authorities have not released names or ages for the suspect or the deputy.
How to Get Involved
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
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Key Takeaways
- The shooting occurred during an alleged armed robbery and was deemed a deputy response.
- The suspect was an 18-year-old, identified by family as a grandson.
- A female accomplice was detained; a semi-automatic handgun was recovered.
- The case may be connected to other recent violent incidents in the region.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to clarify the circumstances and potential links to other crimes.
