Shooting At Lake Forest Walmart: Armed Suspect Taken To Hospital

LAKE FOREST, CA — A shooting took place inside the Foothill Ranch Walmart Supercenter overnight during an attempted robbery, officials say. A man involved in the confrontation was at the return desk, armed with both a gun and a knife, when he was shot by an Orange County Sheriff's Department deputy. He remained hospitalized Thursday and his condition remained unknown.

Two other suspects fled the scene and were later captured in Midway City.

Deputies from the Lake Forest Station of the Orange County Sheriff's Department and a SWAT unit responded shortly before 9:45 p.m. Wednesday to 26502 Towne Center Drive to the theft in progress. Initial reports stated that three people allegedly attempted to return goods to the store that they had not purchased.

Witnesses said that upon the arrival of the sheriff's deputies, the man became "uncooperative" with authorities and drew a weapon.

A deputy then fired upon the man, wounding him, and Orange County Fire Authority medics rendered aid. He was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery.

Deputies recovered both a handgun and a knife at the scene and believed both belonged to the suspect.

A second man and woman fled the store and both drove away in a white van, according to the release. Their vehicle was located later in Midway City, approximately 20 miles away.

No deputies, shoppers or store employees were injured during the incident.

Orange County Sheriff's Department has released all footage of the incident to the Orange County District Attorney's Office which, per department protocol, will investigate the shooting.

This is a developing report. Please refresh this page for the latest information.