Coroner IDs Suspect Shot At Livermore Gun Store

LIVERMORE, CA — The Alameda Coroner’s Bureau has confirmed to Patch the identity of a 28-year-old man who was shot last month while allegedly trying to rob a Livermore gun store armed with a hammer.

Freddy Mendoza, 28, entered East Bay Firearms on First Street on Sunday, Oct. 22, wearing a mask, gloves, and a hooded sweatshirt pulled over his head, according to a preliminary investigation from the Livermore Police Department. A witness told police in a statement that the man attempted to rob the store by taking a firearm, while armed with a hammer.

The owner of East Bay Firearms fired two rounds, fatally wounding Mendoza, police said.

Emergency crews pronounced him dead on the scene. Five customers were in the store at the time, though none were injured.

Police said they believe the owner acted in justifiable self-defense, and is not being charged. They also reported that the owner is cooperating with the investigation.

The LPD’s Criminal Investigations Bureau continues to investigate the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the department’s anonymous tip line at 925-371-4790.