Armed robber shot and killed by store employee in Concord, police say: 'Shotgun in his hand'

CONCORD, Calif. (KGO) -- In the East Bay, an armed robbery suspect is dead after being shot by a convenience store employee.

Police say it happened late Friday night on Willow Pass Road in Concord, where the suspect entered the store and demanded an employee open the safe.

"I'm scared. When I see the guy, I'm scared," said Tao Villavicencio.

Villavicencio says he was making a beer run to the S&S Fast and Easy Mart about 11:30 p.m. on Friday when he spotted an armed man walking through the parking lot.

"I'm walking from my house to here. I see the guy walking from that corner. He's got a shotgun in his right hand," Villavicencio said.

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Villavicencio said he ran back to his house and called 911. Concord police said the suspect, armed with a shotgun, entered the store and attempted to force an employee to open the store safe.

In a statement, police added:
"Another store employee hearing and seeing what was occurring, intervened firing his own weapon, which struck the suspect. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene."

"I hope the best for the employee," said Dustin Lotspeich.

By Saturday morning, customers like Lotspeich heard what happened.

"I think it was justified. It was his life or theirs. He defended himself in my opinion," Lotspeich said.

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Store owner, Gary Sharma said he's been robbed before. He said everyone involved is doing okay and appreciates support coming from the community.

"Customers are coming in tears saying, 'So glad you guys are okay.' They came and gave us hugs. Means a lot. Love you to all our customers and everyone who was praying for us," Sharma said.

Concord police say detectives are reviewing evidence and the investigation is ongoing. The suspect's identity has not been released.

The investigation is ongoing. Police ask anyone with information to contact Detective Justin Wilson at (925) 603-5859.