Shooter Identified as Law-Abiding Business Owner Defending Himself
In a high-profile case of legal self-defense, a Santa Monica robbery turned deadly when a store owner shot and killed an alleged intruder who sprayed him with a chemical irritant during an attempted armed robbery. The incident occurred during a private after-hours sale at a shoe store, raising questions—and answers—about the boundaries of lawful protection in California.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), the store owner was conducting a private business transaction around 9:30 p.m. when the robbery occurred. A second individual, now identified as the deceased suspect, entered the premises and immediately deployed an unidentified chemical spray against the store owner. Officials state the spray was used in an attempt to incapacitate him and complete a robbery.
However, the store owner—armed with a legally owned firearm—defended himself by shooting the intruder. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Robbery Plot Was a Coordinated Setup
During their investigation, SMPD uncovered a disturbing twist. The person who had arranged the “private sale” was allegedly involved in orchestrating the attack. Authorities identified Karen Melikyan, 41, of Los Angeles, as the accomplice. She is now charged with homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
According to police reports, Melikyan knowingly arranged the sale to position the victim in a vulnerable situation, while the armed suspect carried out the physical assault. Investigators believe Melikyan’s role was critical to the setup.
The store owner, who has remained unnamed, is not facing charges. Law enforcement officials stated that he cooperated fully and was found to be in lawful possession of his firearm. Based on the evidence and the circumstances of the event, the shooting was deemed a clear case of self-defense.
What the Law Says About Self-Defense in California
While California is known for strict gun control laws, the state also recognizes a person’s right to defend themselves under what is commonly known as the Castle Doctrine. Under California Penal Code 198.5, residents have the legal right to use lethal force if they believe they are in immediate danger of great bodily harm—particularly if an intruder unlawfully enters their home or business.
In this case, the use of chemical spray, the element of surprise, and the confined nature of the attack all contributed to the store owner’s legal justification for using deadly force.
Even in a state with a reputation for limiting Second Amendment protections, the law still defends the defender when all evidence supports their claim of justifiable force.
The Bigger Picture: Protecting Your Rights
This incident has sparked wider discussions about self-defense rights for business owners, especially in cities like Santa Monica where private transactions are increasingly common. It’s a reminder that legal preparedness is just as important as physical protection, especially when dealing with high-value goods or unfamiliar buyers.
If you’re a small business owner:
- Understand your state’s self-defense laws
- Have proper documentation for your firearm
- Be cautious of private after-hours sales
- Always notify someone else if you’re meeting a customer in private
For more on California self-defense laws, visit:
https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/selfdefense
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