Convenience store owner wounded in gunfight with would-be robbers, Lakewood police say
A robbery attempt inside a Lakewood convenience store escalated into a gunfight Wednesday morning that left the store’s owner wounded.
Officers were dispatched at 11:14 a.m. to a report of gunshots at McChord Mart in the 5000 block of Solberg Drive Southwest. The initial report said the store’s owner had been shot, according to a Lakewood Police Department news release.
The owner was in the parking lot when officers arrived. He had been shot in the leg, the release said. Officers provided medical aid until the man was taken to a local hospital. His wound is not thought to be life threatening.
Three males reportedly entered the store, while another one waited outside. One of the men tried to steal some items. The owner confronted them, which led to one of them striking him with a can, the release said. They left the store, and the owner followed them out.
The incident escalated when the owner and men exchanged gunshots. The owner was struck, and the men ran off, the release said.
Officers set up a containment area and a search began for the alleged shooters. The four suspects were found and detained within 40 minutes, the release said. They are two juveniles and two men.
Detectives continue to investigate.
“We would like to thank our law enforcement partners from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol and Steilacoom PD for their assistance,” the release said.
