Suspect Fatally Shot In Botched Robbery At Torrance Jewelry Store

TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) — A man was shot and killed Tuesday during a botched robbery at a Torrance jewelry store, police said.

The shooting was reported about noon at Leilani Jewelers at 18099 Prairie Ave., the Torrance Police Department said.

Police say the suspect was shot by the store owner, who was identified by customers as Tad Tanino, during an attempted robbery.

When police arrived, they found the robbery suspect was dead with a gun by his side. The suspect didn't appear to have fired any shots, police said.

Tanino was described by friends as being careful about security at his store.

"Tad is a soft-spoken guy; you know, he knows how to use a gun," a friend said.

Customers said Tanino keeps surveillance cameras in the store and keeps the door locked. Visitors need to be buzzed in to enter.

Tanino was cooperating with authorities, police said.

A car with Oregon plates was parked near the store and may have been used by the would-be robber, police said.

Anyone with information on the robbery was asked to contact Torrance Police detectives at (310) 618-5570.