The epoch times

Police ID suspect in shooting of store owner who displayed Pride flag.

California Business Owner Fatally Shot in Pride Flag Dispute

Police have identified the suspect ⁤responsible‌ for the tragic shooting of Laura⁤ Ann Carleton, a beloved⁤ California⁢ business owner. The incident occurred on Aug.‍ 18 and stemmed from ⁢an alleged dispute over a pride ‌flag displayed outside her ⁣store.

The suspect, ⁣Travis Ikeguchi, 27, of Cedar Glen, ​California, was shot and killed by police ⁢during the incident. However, law enforcement officials initially had difficulty identifying him as he was not carrying any⁢ form of ⁢identification at the time of‍ his death.

Related Stories

According to⁢ law enforcement officials, Mr. Ikeguchi used a semi-automatic handgun to ⁤shoot and kill Laura Ann ​Carleton. The firearm​ used in ​the murder is believed to be‌ unregistered, and investigators are​ working with other law enforcement partners ​to gather more information about ​it.

Ms. Carleton,⁢ also known as ‌”Lauri,” was tragically killed outside her clothing‌ store, Mag Pi, in Cedar Glen. Responding officers ‌found her with ‍a gunshot wound, but despite the efforts ⁢of emergency medical personnel, she could not be saved.

Suspect’s Homophobic Actions

After shooting Laura​ Ann Carleton, Mr. Ikeguchi fled the scene on foot. ⁤Law enforcement officials launched a search and eventually located the suspect, who was armed with a handgun.

“When deputies attempted ‍to contact the ⁣suspect,​ a lethal force encounter occurred and the suspect was pronounced deceased,” police said. “No deputies were injured during the incident.”

Further investigation revealed that the suspect had made derogatory ⁤remarks about a rainbow flag displayed‌ outside the store before carrying⁣ out the shooting.

A Pillar in Our Community

Sheriff​ Shannon Dicus stated that Mr. Ikeguchi had expressed criticism of the LGBT community and law enforcement on social media. ⁤The‍ suspect acted ⁣alone and ⁣fired at multiple patrol vehicles before being fatally shot by ⁣the police.

Ms. Carleton’s shooting death has shocked the community, with California‍ Governor ⁢Gavin Newsom condemning the act as “absolutely horrific.” He emphasized that ‌hate has no place in the state.

Described⁢ as a dear friend, mom to many, ally, organizer, entrepreneur, and founding member of the Mountain Provisions‌ Cooperative, ⁣Laura Ann Carleton was a pillar in the community. Her values of equality and love will be deeply missed.



" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Related Articles

Sponsored Content
Back to top button
Available for Amazon Prime
Close

Adblock Detected

Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker