Armed Man Killed in Foiled Robbery Named
An armed man who was shot and killed by Los Angeles police officers during a botched robbery at a Macy’s jewelry counter was identified Wednesday by authorities as Steve J. Butcher, 40, of Los Angeles.
LAPD detectives said Butcher had previous arrests in grand theft robbery and burglary cases as well as outstanding traffic warrants. But, they added, he had not been arrested since 1992.
Authorities are still seeking an accomplice, who also was armed and acted as a lookout in Sunday’s robbery attempt at the Westfield Shoppingtown Promenade.
The incident triggered a citywide tactical alert after terrified shoppers and employees made frantic cell phone calls, ran for exits or hid in stores for hours, sparking fears of a hostage situation.
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