Dallas, Texas

From Dallas’ WFAA.com of July 9, 2006

Robbery suspect fatally shot by S. Dallas liquor store owner

Police say evidence shows man acted in self-defense

An attempted robbery in a South Dallas liquor store ended in a fatal shooting Saturday after the store's 64-year-old owner shot and killed the suspect, police said.

Police said the shooting appeared to be in self-defense. Forest Red's Liquor owner Suot La was attacked by the man, whose identity was not released, and was treated at Baylor University Medical Center for lacerations, Dallas police spokesman Gil Cerda said.

Mr. La's official condition was not available Saturday afternoon. The store was closed about two hours after the shooting occurred.

Mr. La shot the suspect at least once, Sgt. Cerda said. The man, who was in his 30s or 40s, died at Baylor University Medical Center.

The incident unfolded about 3 p.m. in the 5000 block of South Lamar Street when the man walked into the store and asked Mr. La's wife, Soum Xieu, who was the cashier, to cash a check. Ms. Xieu told the man they didn't cash the type of check he had, Sgt. Cerda said.

The man then jumped over the counter and started beating the petite woman. When the suspect saw Mr. La come toward them from the rear of the store, he shot at him at least once with a sawed-off shotgun but missed. The men scuffled, and Mr. La, who was armed, shot the man with a handgun.

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