PLEASANTON, CA — A tragic shooting at a Home Depot store in Pleasanton, California has left an employee dead after he confronted a female shoplifter who was attempting to flee with her child inside a getaway vehicle.
It happened at around 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday at the Home Depot located on 6000 Johnson Drive, approximately 40 miles north of San Jose, according to the Pleasanton Police Department.
The victim was identified as 26-year-old Blake Mohs, a loss prevention employee at the store. Mohs approached the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Benicia Knapps, in an attempt to stop an alleged theft when a struggle ensued and Mohs was shot, police said. Mohs, a Tri-Valley resident, succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene.
After the shooting, Knapps fled to a getaway car driven by 31-year-old David Guillory, with her child also inside the vehicle, according to police. The Pleasanton Police Department stated in a statement, “During the investigation, detectives determined Mohs confronted a female shoplifter who resisted and shot him.”
Fortunately, just 15 minutes after the incident, deputies with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office were able to locate the suspects’ vehicle near the 7000 block of Ney Avenue in Oakland and successfully detained Knapps and Guillory. A handgun was also recovered in a nearby intersection.
Knapps’ child was released to relatives after the suspects were arrested. Guillory is currently being held at the Santa Rita Jail with bail set at $255,000, facing charges including obstruction of justice, child abuse, evading with disregard to safety, and evading by going on the wrong side of the road, according to the sheriff’s Inmate Locator.
Mayor Karla Brown expressed deep condolences to Mohs’ family, friends, and loved ones, stating, “Blake was a well-known member of the community who helped keep customers and staff safe.” The Pleasanton Police Department also mourned the loss of Mohs, calling him a “model for others.”
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Pleasanton Police Department.
