Swap Meet Guard Slain in Pursuit of Bandits

A 61-year-old security guard at the San Fernando Swap Meet was shot to death Sunday afternoon as he attempted to chase down two robbery suspects who had allegedly stolen about $12,000 from the swap meet manager.

Roland Everett Teal of Pacoima, fondly known as “Lucky” by swap meet patrons, was gunned down shortly after 4 p.m., several blocks from the meet, when he confronted two men who were running and carrying bags stuffed with money, said San Fernando Police Lt. Rico Castro.

No arrests had been made by late Sunday night, Castro said.

The bandits were waiting outside the swap meet administration building as the manager walked out carrying the day’s cash receipts to be deposited at a bank, Rico said. The bandits drew a gun and the manager handed over the money.

Teal, who worked at the popular swap meet for at least 16 years, pursued the gunmen in his van. He cut them off along Borden Street near Arroyo Avenue. He was shot as approached the suspects, Rico said.