A dramatic chase of a brazen thief, who stole an "expensive watch" from a Southern California jewelry store, ended in gunshots Sunday afternoon, authorities said.
Deputies responded to a call that reported a robbery at Hing Wa Lee Jewelers in the 1500 block of Fairway Drive in Walnut at 3:15 p.m, Lt. David Buckner said, from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
A man walked into the jewelery store and asked to look at a watch. Once the "very expensive" watch was in his hand, he took off running, Buckner said.
An armed security guard chased the suspect and managed to catch up with him. A scuffle ensued. The security guard allegedly saw the suspect reach for something and "feared for his safety" prompting him to pull out his gun and fire several shots at the suspect, Buckner said.
The suspect lost his shoe in the scuffle and ran away again, this time he got into a silver car and "drove off."
It was unclear if the suspect was injured. It was also unclear if he was armed, Buckner said.
Buildings in the area were struck by gunfire, Buckner said.
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Investigators arrived at the jewelry store shortly after the incident.
No further information was available.
