A Home Depot employee was shot and killed Tuesday while trying to stop an alleged theft in progress at the Pleasanton, California, store, KTVU Fox 2 reported.
The victim, identified as 26-year-old Blake Mohs, worked as a loss prevention employee at the California retail location, KTVU Fox 2 reported. Friends described him as a Boy Scout leader engaged to be married, according the outlet.
Pleasanton police rendered aid to Mohs after receiving a call about a man bleeding inside the Home Depot store. Mohs was transferred to a nearby hospital, but died of his injuries, police confirmed, ABC 7 News reported. (RELATED: Video Shows Female Store Employee Chasing Off Would-Be Robber With His Own Knife)
Mohs confronted a female suspect, who allegedly resisted and shot him, according to witnesses cited by police. The suspect, 32-year-old Benicia Knapps, allegedly fled to a getaway car driven by suspect David Guillory with Knapp’s 2-year-old child inside the vehicle, ABC 7 News reported. Both suspects were apprehended by Alameda County Sheriff’s Office deputies and a handgun was recovered from a nearby intersection.
Knapps was allegedly trying to steal an electrical item, possibly a charger, and was “determined to exit without paying,” Pleasanton police Lt. Erik Silacci said, according to KTVU. Pleasanton police knew Mohs personally, as he often reported thefts to the department, Silacci said. Silacci added the victim was a “valuable, valuable” member of the community.
“We’re heartbroken over this senseless tragedy,” Home Depot said in a statement, according to ABC 7. “Blake was our associate and friend, and our hearts go out to his family and everyone who knew and loved him.”