Gun Used to Enforce ‘No Browsing,’ Police Say

A Santa Monica store owner who forbids browsing among his antiques was arrested Monday after he pulled a gun on a customer who ignored signs and insisted on looking around, police said.

Ivan Hillar, 61, proprietor of British Collectibles, 1729 Wilshire Blvd., was booked for investigation of assault with a deadly weapon and released on $5,000 bail, Lt. Jim Dawson said.

The customer, whose identity was not disclosed, was admitted through a security gate, Dawson said. Hillar warned the customer not to browse, then pulled a gun to enforce his edict, Dawson said. The customer left and complained to police.