Botched robbery leads to gun battle

A security guard, hired by Apple, has shot dead a suspect in a botched Apple Store robbery early Monday, according to NBC. The incident began shortly before 7AM at the Otay Ranch outlet in Chula Vista, California. The guard is said to have confronted two men and a woman who were caught smashing in the store's front doors. A firefight erupted after one of the suspects drew a handgun, the guard claims.

The trio is reported to have fled to a silver Acura and tried to drive away, but crashed into a light pole outside a Banana Republic. One of the men was left dead inside the car while the remaining suspects got out and ran eastward. The pair were ultimately trapped at gunpoint by police, in a section of townhomes located in Winding Walk; while the woman was immediately cuffed and taken to a police car, the man was cuffed, patted down and then treated for a gunshot wound in the buttocks before being taken to a hospital by an ambulance. Apple Store workers identified the alleged robbers.

Police say they are investigating whether or not the group may have been involved in previous smash-and-grabs. During today's crime, five schools were temporarily placed on lockdown.

Apple Stores have become a growing target for thieves in recent years. Many Apple products are expensive, in high demand and potentially scarce, like the iPad 2. The company has also insisted on using glass store facades, which make it easier to break in if a robber isn't concerned with drawing attention.

by MacNN Staff