Accused robber armed with chemical spray shot dead by store owner, CA police say

A store owner shot and killed a man accused of trying to rob the store during an after-hours private sale, California police reported.

The incident took place at the 3rd Street Promenade at about 9:30 p.m. Sunday, May 18, the Santa Monica Police Department said in a news release.

Someone entered the store during a private after-hours sale and sprayed the owner with a chemical irritant, police said.

The owner shot the intruder, who later died at a hospital, police said.

Investigators said the owner’s associate, who also was present, conspired with the intruder and arranged the robbery.

Karen Melikyan, 41, of Los Angeles, faces charges of homicide, armed robbery and conspiracy, police said.

The store owner is cooperating with investigators and has not been charged. Police ask anyone with information to call 310-458-4852 or 310-458-8774.

Santa Monica is about a 15-mile drive west from downtown Los Angeles.

This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 10:18 AM with the headline "Accused robber armed with chemical spray shot dead by store owner, CA police say."