Target shooting: LAPD seeks public's help identifying gunman who shot 2 employees

LAPD provides update on Target shooting

Two employees were left wounded after an alleged shoplifter opened fire outside a Target in downtown Los Angeles on Monday night.

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department sought the public's help with identifying a suspect after two employees were wounded when an alleged shoplifter opened fire in front of terrified customers at a shopping center in downtown LA.

"This individual is going to be identified, located, arrested and prosecuted because of you," said LAPD Commander Lillian Carranza.

"It’s no secret we have a new police chief. We also have a new district attorney, and we have seen an increase in felony filings," she added when asked about how the passing of Prop 36 would impact the case. "I am very happy to see that."

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The LAPD released a photo of the man accused of shooting at 2 employees at a shopping center in DTLA. (LAPD)

LAPD Captain Raul Jovel identified the suspect as a man with a light complexion between 25 and 35 years old, 6 feet tall, and weighing 170 pounds. He was last seen wearing a long pink scarf around his neck.

Shots fired at downtown LA shopping center

2 wounded in DTLA Target shooting

Two people were wounded after an alleged shoplifter shot at security guards in downtown LA.

On Monday, Dec. 30 around 9 p.m., LAPD officers were called to the Figat7th shopping center following reports of shots fired.

The suspect was allegedly shoplifting at Target and was walking out of the store when he was confronted by two employees. During the confrontation outside Target, LAPD Capt. Jovel said over 10 rounds were fired in a confrontation between the armed security guard and the suspect.

"We could hear bullets whisking by us," witness Lucas Williams said. "We started running up the stairs."

No shoppers were hurt in the shooting.

Cpt. Jovel said in a news conference Tuesday afternoon that the suspect "displayed a disregard for human life."

It's unclear if the suspect was hit. However, he managed to get away from the scene.

An earlier report indicated the two people shot were both security guards. However, authorities later clarified one of those shot worked in loss prevention for Target and the second victim was employed by the Figat7th shopping center as a security guard.

Officials said one of the shooting victims was treated and released from the hospital. Meanwhile, the second victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The Target was closed on Tuesday as the investigation continued.

Officials said the suspect is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, do not approach him. Instead, you are asked to call 911 immediately.

Downtown LA Crime and Public Safety Instastories