By The Associated Press
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. — Sheriff’s deputies shot and killed a man suspected of robbing a jewelry store at a mall Sunday, authorities said.
Orange County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a robbery in progress at a jewelry store in The Shops at Mission Viejo just before 5:30 p.m., department spokesman Ryan Burris said. Witnesses said they noticed a man acting strangely inside the store.
The suspect, disguised with a wig, shot at deputies when they confronted him on the second story of a parking structure, Burris said. Deputies returned fire and struck him.
The suspect was treated at a hospital for a gunshot wound and later died, Burris said. His identity was withheld pending notification of family.
Burris said earlier reports that shots were fired inside the mall were unsubstantiated. There were no reports of any injuries inside the mall.
The suspect was carrying a briefcase but it was unclear what was inside, Burris said.
The mall was shut down but was expected to reopen Monday.
The District Attorney’s office was investigating the incident.