Mall Robber Had Prior Arrests, Police Say
An armed thief who was shot and killed by Los Angeles police officers during a botched robbery attempt at a Woodland Hills Macy’s jewelry counter was identified Wednesday by authorities as Steve J. Butcher, 40, of Los Angeles.
LAPD detectives said Butcher had previous arrests for grand theft robbery and burglary as well as outstanding traffic warrants. But they said 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 attempted robbery at the Westfield Shoppingtown Promenade at 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
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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