CERRITOS, Calif. — Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Homicide Bureau are investigating the fatal shooting of an adult male who allegedly charged at an armed customer with a knife inside a Cerritos restaurant on Sunday afternoon.
According to LASD, the incident occurred at approximately 2:12 p.m. on July 19, 2026, at Lucille's restaurant, located in the 11300 block of South Street in Cerritos.
Deputies from the Cerritos Sheriff's Station responded to reports of a man armed with a knife. Investigators determined that the suspect entered the restaurant, ran through the kitchen and service areas, and caused panic among employees and customers.
Authorities said the man was confronted by a customer who was lawfully carrying a firearm and possessed a valid California concealed carry permit. The customer repeatedly ordered the suspect to drop the knife.
According to investigators, the suspect instead charged toward the armed customer while still holding the knife, prompting the customer to fire his or her weapon in self-defense.
When deputies arrived, they found the man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound as well as apparent lacerations. Deputies immediately began life-saving measures.
Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the man dead.
The individual who fired the weapon remained at the scene and is fully cooperating with investigators.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, and investigators have not announced whether any charges will be filed. The case remains under active investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477), using the P3 Tips mobile app, or submitting information online through Crime Stoppers.