Merchant Kills Robber During Hold-Up Attempt

During a scuffle inside a South Los Angeles convenience store, a merchant shot and killed a neighborhood resident who allegedly tried to rob the business, police said Wednesday.

Lee Arthur Mitchell, 42, was pronounced dead at the scene in the 7900 block of South Western Avenue.

Tae Sam Park, 46, owner of Chung’s Liquor, told police that Mitchell entered the store and was turned away after he tried to make a purchase without enough money to pay for the item, said Los Angeles Police Lt. Mike Markulis of the South Bureau Homicide Division. Mitchell offered a piece of jewelry to make up the difference and was turned away again, the lieutenant said.

Mitchell pretended to wield a gun and threatened Park, his wife and another employee. Park was instructed to open the cash register but instead drew a pistol from beneath the front counter. As Mitchell struggled over the gun, Park fired three times, striking the man in the chest, Markulis said.