1 dead, another hurt in attempted robbery at Bell Gardens marijuana dispensary
An investigation continued throughout Thursday following a deadly shooting during an apparently botched robbery at a Bell Gardens marijuana dispensary.
It was later revealed that the business was actually an illegal dispensary, operating out of a mobile phone repair store called "Mobile Geeks."
Gunshots were reported at 5845 Florence Ave., near the 710 Freeway, just before 8 p.m. Wednesday. Officers responding to the scene found two men inside the business with gunshot wounds.
According to detectives on the scene, the clerk on duty was held at gunpoint while other suspects tossed jars of marijuana into bags they were planning to steal.
"It was clear some type of gun fight had occurred there, said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Lieutenant Derrick Alfred, noting the "extensive damage, windows shot out, bullet holes and some cars were struck that were parked along the roadway."
A 17-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other, 21, was taken to the hospital in unknown condition. Both were said to be involved in the robbery when they were shot.
A third attempted robber fled the scene.
The 17-year-old victim was identified as Kevin Ruiz on Saturday.
A preliminary investigation into the shooting found surveillance footage showing two other suspects outside of the store, putting on ski masks just as the bullets started flying. They, as well as several others involved in the incident, could be seen running from the scene.
The attempted robbery occurred across the street from Bell Gardens Intermediate School, a middle school home to more than 1,000 students.
"It's kind of scary, it's across the street from a school," said one individual who spoke with CBS reporters on the scene Thursday afternoon. He and his friend noted the proximity of the school to the illegal operation, and the danger it posed to the children so close by.
Authorities have not released suspect or suspect vehicle information, and the shooting is being investigated as gang related.
They also disclosed that this was at least the third attempted robbery at a marijuana dispensary that had turned into a shooting turned murder.
"It's not uncommon these days, to have these marijuana shops robbed," Alfred continued. "They have a lot of marijuana and a lot of cash on hand."
Los Angeles Police Department records echoed that, detailing that in 2021 over 700 people were arrested as a result of similar incidences. They also disclosed that more $2 million and over 250,000 pounds of marijuana were confiscated from illegal dispensaries in the same time period.
Anyone with information about the shooting can contact Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
