Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Lompoc Resident Identified as Victim in Officer-Involved Shooting at Circle K

A 20-year-old Lompoc resident, Connor Amador, has been tragically killed in an officer-involved shooting that took place at a Circle K convenience store in Lompoc on December 29, 2023. The incident has left the community in shock and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement officers.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting an investigation into the shooting, aiming to uncover the circumstances leading up to this unfortunate event.

Preliminary information provided by the Lompoc Police Department reveals that on the night of December 28, at around 11:30 p.m., officers from the LPD responded to a distress call reporting an armed robbery at the Circle K store located at 1421 E. Ocean Ave. According to reports, an armed male suspect had entered the store, threatening the clerk and demanding both money and alcohol before swiftly fleeing the scene. Despite a prompt response from law enforcement, the suspect managed to evade capture.

However, the situation took a turn for the worse in the early hours of December 29, at approximately 1:18 a.m., when LPD officers received another call regarding an armed male individual near the gas pumps at Circle K. This time, the suspect had attempted to carjack a victim in the parking lot. Fortunately, the victim was able to escape on foot, avoiding any harm.

Following the failed carjacking attempt, the suspect reentered the Circle K store, seemingly undeterred by the previous incident. Inside, he once again attempted to rob the establishment. However, this time, LPD officers were prepared and confronted the suspect outside the premises.

Tragically, during the confrontation, shots were fired, resulting in the fatal shooting of the suspect. LPD officers immediately provided medical assistance until emergency medical services arrived, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident has sparked a wave of shock and concern within the Lompoc community, with many questioning the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers. As the investigation by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office continues, people are seeking answers and transparency regarding the events that led to this fatal outcome.

It is vital for law enforcement agencies to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding officer-involved shootings to ensure accountability and maintain public trust. The community eagerly awaits the results of the ongoing investigation, hoping for a comprehensive understanding of the incident.

As Lompoc mourns the loss of Connor Amador, his family and friends are left to grieve the untimely death of a young resident, raising questions about the systems in place to prevent such tragic outcomes.

The Lompoc Police Department and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office must work together diligently to provide a thorough and transparent investigation into this officer-involved shooting, allowing the community to heal and rebuild the trust that has been shaken by this tragic event.

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