The fatal shooting of an employee at a Home Depot store in Pleasanton Tuesday afternoon led sheriff's deputies to Oakland where they arrested two suspects after receiving their vehicle's description from eyewitnesses who watched them leave the store only minutes before.
KTVU reported that the employee who was shot died hours later, and that he had been trying to prevent shoplifting before he was killed.
Pleasanton Police Lt. Erik Silacci said the suspects were seen immediately driving away from the store, at 6000 Johnson Dr., following the shooting, which occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. Pleasanton police notified neighboring law enforcement agencies of the wanted vehicle's description. At approximately 2:30 p.m. Alameda County Sheriff's Department deputies located the vehicle in the 7000 block of Ney Avenue in Oakland. Deputies successfully detained the suspects.
“We’re heartbroken over the senseless tragedy," Home Depot wrote in a statement to KRON4.
Silacci said Pleasanton police dispatch received the initial calls about a man bleeding inside the Home Depot store. Officers arrived and provided first aid to the victim. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital.
Witnesses told Pleasanton police officers that the victim attempted to stop a theft in progress inside the store. A struggle ensued between the victim and the suspects, and the victim was shot.
Silacci added the investigation is in its early stages and an update will be provided, including the identification of the suspects, after 9 a.m. Wednesday.