In the Line of Duty: KMart Security Officer Shot, Killed by Shoplifter

Security guard killed at Ramona Kmart - San Diego Union Tribune

A security guard at a Ramona Kmart was shot dead while chasing a shoplifter into the parking lot today, authorities said.

The guard apparently confronted a shoplifter about 3 p.m., and a struggle ensued, said Sheriff's homicide Lt. Dennis Brugos.

The shoplifter pulled out a gun and shot the security guard in front of the Kmart's garden shop, Brugos said. He said customers took the gunman into custody and called authorities. The security guard was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ramona resident Aaron Abrahamsen, 13, witnessed the commotion. "I was just walking into the garden shop, looking for a friend, and I heard four loud shots that I thought were firecrackers," Abrahamsen said.

"They seemed to be near the front of the shop. Tons of employees came running in," shouting that someone had been shot, he said. A few minutes later, Abrahamsen said he walked outside and saw paramedics trying to revive a white man.

Deputies cordoned off the parking lot area at the store, including the Los Rancheros restaurant, on Main Street near Pala Street for more than three hours.