Oakland, California
Unarmed Security Guard Fatally Shot While Doing His Job
📍 Location: 7-Eleven Convenience Store, Oakland, CA
🕒 Time: Just before 10:15 PM
📅 Date: December 8, 2023
Summary of the Incident:
On the night of December 8, 2023, tragedy struck outside a 7-Eleven in Oakland, California. An unarmed security guard, later identified as 59-year-old Ja
Unarmed Security Guard Fatally Shot While Doing His Job
📍 Location: 7-Eleven Convenience Store, Oakland, CA
🕒 Time: Just before 10:15 PM
📅 Date: December 8, 2023
Summary of the Incident:
On the night of December 8, 2023, tragedy struck outside a 7-Eleven in Oakland, California. An unarmed security guard, later identified as 59-year-old James Johnson, was shot and killed while trying to prevent a theft.
According to Oakland Police and verified news sources, the suspect was attempting to steal approximately $6 worth of candy bars. Johnson, fulfilling his duty as a guard, confronted the suspect. In response, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Johnson. Despite immediate efforts from first responders, Johnson died at the scene.
He was reportedly known in the neighborhood, and his presence at the store was a familiar one tasked with keeping a routine retail environment safe. But that routine quickly turned deadly.
A Reflection on the Reality:
This is not just a tragic headline it's a reminder of how real the danger is, especially for unarmed security guards who are expected to observe, report, and sometimes intervene with no weapon, no backup, and limited legal protection.
James Johnson was doing exactly what he was trained to do: protect property, deter theft, and maintain a presence. He didn’t sign up to be a hero, but his service and sacrifice deserve that level of recognition.
Unarmed guards are often placed in volatile situations with minimal tools, sometimes earning minimum wage, yet tasked with maximum responsibility. This incident shows just how quickly things can escalate and why real training, policy awareness, and public respect for this profession matter more than ever.
Why This Story Matters:
- This was not an armed robbery. It was a petty theft of candy that ended in a man’s death.
- It happened in a public, well-lit store a place most people associate with convenience and safety.
- It reminds us that danger doesn’t wait for armed guards. It doesn’t check the clock. It doesn’t care what you’re paid.
James Johnson stood his post. He followed the rules. And like many others in this industry, he paid the ultimate price.
Honor the Guard. Learn the Lesson.
This page is part of a larger mission to share real stories, honor those who serve, and remind the world that every shift carries risk even if you’re just trying to stop a candy bar from walking out the door.
🕯️ Rest in peace, James Johnson.
🛡️ Your service was not in vain.
Sacramento, California
Security Guard Fatally Shot During Armed Robbery at Capitol Casino
📍 Location: Capitol Casino, 411 N 16th St, Sacramento, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 6:00 AM
📅 Date: August 22, 2022
Summary of the Incident:
On the early morning of August 22, 2022, a tragic event unfolded at Capitol Casino in Sacramento, California. A security guard, identifi
Security Guard Fatally Shot During Armed Robbery at Capitol Casino
📍 Location: Capitol Casino, 411 N 16th St, Sacramento, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 6:00 AM
📅 Date: August 22, 2022
Summary of the Incident:
On the early morning of August 22, 2022, a tragic event unfolded at Capitol Casino in Sacramento, California. A security guard, identified as 27-year-old Sean Bernal, was shot and killed during an attempted armed robbery.
According to reports, an assailant attempted to rob the casino. Bernal confronted him and escorted the suspect out of the building at taser point. Once outside, the suspect pulled out a firearm and re-entered the casino, heading toward the cash cage.
As Bernal bravely attempted to intervene and deploy his taser again, he was shot in the neck and killed on the scene. The assailant stole over $38,000 and fled but was later apprehended and convicted of first-degree murder and robbery.
A Reflection on the Reality:
This incident underscores the grave dangers that security guards particularly unarmed ones face every day. Despite being tasked with protecting lives and property, they often do so without adequate tools, training, or support.
Sean Bernal’s actions exemplify bravery and dedication. He stood his ground, acted to protect others, and ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice. His story is a stark reminder that security work is high-risk, high-responsibility and too often undervalued.
Why This Story Matters:
- It highlights the vulnerabilities of unarmed security personnel.
- It emphasizes the need for proper training, equipment, and backup.
- It stands as a call to action for higher standards in security staffing and expectations.
Sean Bernal’s sacrifice should not be in vain. It is imperative that security companies and clients alike take these realities seriously. This profession is not about presence it’s about protection.
Honor the Guard. Learn the Lesson.
This page is dedicated to sharing real stories, honoring those who served, and pushing for change. We’re not here to sensationalize. We’re here to speak the truth because too many are being put in uniforms and placed in harm’s way with little to no preparation.
We share these stories to prevent more names from being added to this list.
🕯️ Rest in peace, Sean Bernal.
🛡️ Your courage and dedication will not be forgotten.
Fresno, California
Fresno, California
Unarmed Security Guard Fatally Shot While on Duty at Motel 6
📍 Location: Motel 6, Blackstone & Ashlan Avenues, Fresno, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 11:00 PM
📅 Date: April 13, 2017
Summary of the Incident:
On the night of April 13, 2017, 25-year-old Carl Williams, an unarmed security guard working for Monument Security, was fatally shot whil
Unarmed Security Guard Fatally Shot While on Duty at Motel 6
📍 Location: Motel 6, Blackstone & Ashlan Avenues, Fresno, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 11:00 PM
📅 Date: April 13, 2017
Summary of the Incident:
On the night of April 13, 2017, 25-year-old Carl Williams, an unarmed security guard working for Monument Security, was fatally shot while on duty at a Motel 6 in Fresno, California. Williams was responding to a disturbance involving a guest and her visitor who were not complying with motel policies. As Williams and an armed colleague escorted the individuals to the motel office, an argument ensued.
During this confrontation, the visitor produced a firearm and shot Williams multiple times at close range. The assailant then fired additional shots toward the motel and the second security guard before fleeing the scene. Williams was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
A Reflection on the Reality:
Carl Williams’ tragic death underscores the inherent dangers faced by unarmed security personnel. Despite lacking a license to carry a weapon, he was placed in a position that required him to confront potentially violent individuals.
Although he was accompanied by an armed colleague, this tragedy highlights a deeper issue: weapons do not replace proper training, clear post orders, or sound judgment. In fast-moving situations, even armed personnel may be unable to act in time especially when the person most at risk isn’t the one carrying the weapon.
Carl’s death is a reminder that post orders matter. Unarmed guards are not meant to detain, chase, or escalate they are trained to observe, report, and protect life through situational awareness and communication. If a guard is placed in harm’s way without the proper tools, authority, or preparation, the system has already failed.
Why This Story Matters:
- Highlights the vulnerabilities of unarmed security personnel
- Emphasizes the necessity of proper training and realistic post assignments
- Calls attention to how quickly things can escalate even with backup present
While we may never know the exact motive behind the suspect’s actions, the facts speak volumes: an unarmed guard was killed while performing duties that should have been handled with greater caution and oversight. Some believe the outcome may have been different had both guards been visibly armed, properly equipped with protective gear, and trained to operate as a tactical unit.
Presence and preparedness matter.
Often, the decision to pull a trigger depends not on the rules but on the perception of threat. When guards are under-equipped and unsupported, they become the easiest target.
Beyond the Uniform:
Carl Williams wasn’t just a guard — he was a mentor, a brother, and a man who gave back to his community. He participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and regularly donated blood, despite having a personal fear of needles. He wanted to make a difference, and he did both in life and in the lessons, we must now carry forward.
Honor the Guard. Learn the Lesson.
This page exists not to sensationalize, but to share real stories, honor those who served, and advocate for real change. Carl’s death was preventable and that’s exactly why it must not be forgotten.
🕯️ Rest in peace, Carl Williams.
🛡️ Your courage and dedication will not be forgotten.
Stockton, California
Riverside, California
Security Guard Fatally Shoots Knife-Wielding Attacker in Self-Defense
📍 Location: 2400 block of Country Club Boulevard, Stockton, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 7:30 PM
📅 Date: April 17, 2020
Summary of the Incident:
On the evening of April 17, 2020, a security guard on duty in Stockton, California, was confronted by a 52-year-old man armed wi
Security Guard Fatally Shoots Knife-Wielding Attacker in Self-Defense
📍 Location: 2400 block of Country Club Boulevard, Stockton, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 7:30 PM
📅 Date: April 17, 2020
Summary of the Incident:
On the evening of April 17, 2020, a security guard on duty in Stockton, California, was confronted by a 52-year-old man armed with a knife. According to police reports, the man had stabbed himself and then aggressively charged at the guard while refusing all commands to stop.
The incident occurred on the 2400 block of Country Club Boulevard, a mixed-use area that includes residential and commercial spaces. The guard, fearing for his life and following his training, discharged a single, fatal shot in self-defense.
Law enforcement arrived shortly after the incident and conducted a full investigation. The guard was not arrested or charged, and the use of force was deemed lawful and justified.
A Reflection on the Reality:
Not every story on this page ends in tragedy and that’s exactly the point.
This incident is a rare but powerful example of when training, equipment, and restraint align under pressure. The guard didn’t panic, didn’t escalate he reacted swiftly, lawfully, and under clear threat.
He was:
- Properly equipped
- Mentally prepared
- Legally justified
This wasn’t about bravado. It was about training, composure, and survival. And because of that, he not only protected himself he potentially prevented greater harm to others in the area.
Why This Story Matters:
- It reinforces the value of real, scenario-based training
- It proves that armed guards, when properly trained, can save lives including their own
- It shows that the use of force, when necessary, must be guided by discipline and accountability
This wasn’t a situation anyone wanted but the guard was ready. He followed his post orders, assessed the threat, and acted decisively.
A Broader Lesson:
Security guards are often placed in high-risk environments with little margin for error. But this case proves that when guards are equipped, trained, and respected, outcomes can change.
This isn’t about glorifying violence it’s about recognizing when preparation prevents tragedy.
Not every outcome has to end in a memorial.
Sometimes, it ends in a lesson and a life spared.
🛡️ To every guard who trains, stays sharp, and does it right this one’s for you, too.
Riverside, California
Riverside, California
Unarmed Security Guard Assaulted and Injured with His Own Baton
📍 Location: Shopping center, La Sierra Avenue, Riverside, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 10:00 PM
📅 Date: March 31, 2022
Summary of the Incident:
On the night of March 31, 2022, an unarmed security guard was assaulted while on duty at a shopping center in Riverside, California. Th
Unarmed Security Guard Assaulted and Injured with His Own Baton
📍 Location: Shopping center, La Sierra Avenue, Riverside, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 10:00 PM
📅 Date: March 31, 2022
Summary of the Incident:
On the night of March 31, 2022, an unarmed security guard was assaulted while on duty at a shopping center in Riverside, California. The guard approached a trespasser and asked the individual to leave the premises. Rather than comply, the suspect became aggressive, physically overpowered the guard, and took control of the guard’s baton.
The suspect used the guard’s own baton as a weapon, striking him multiple times. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the guard managed to physically detain the attacker until police arrived. He was transported to a hospital for treatment and survived the incident.
A Reflection on the Reality:
This incident highlights a painful truth: security guards are often assigned to posts without accurate risk assessments or proper tools to handle real-world threats. Many companies contract unarmed security for budget reasons without fully understanding the dangers of the location or the reasons security is even being requested.
This was not a “safe” post. It was a high-risk situation disguised as routine.
And this guard was sent into it without a firearm, without backup, and without the physical leverage to defend himself when things turned violent.
When an unarmed guard is placed in a position where they’re easily disarmed and beaten with their own tools, it’s not just an attack it’s a failure of leadership, preparation, and accountability.
Why This Story Matters:
- It exposes the consequences of underestimating post risk
- It highlights the real danger of placing unarmed guards in high-crime areas
- It shows the resilience and commitment of a guard who, even while injured, fulfilled his duty
A Broader Lesson:
Security isn’t about visibility it’s about readiness.
If you’re hiring a guard, know why you’re hiring one.
If you’re sending a guard to a post, understand what that post requires.
Unarmed guards deserve just as much protection and preparation as anyone else. Their uniform does not make them invincible and when they’re assaulted, it should raise alarms throughout the industry.
🛡️ To every guard who’s ever stood post without the gear or support they needed your courage is seen, and your story matters.
Downtown LA, CA
Downtown LA, CA
Security Guard and Loss Prevention Team Respond to Violent Shoplifting Incident at Target
📍 Location: FIGat7th Shopping Center, 735 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 8:55 PM
📅 Date: December 30, 2024
Summary of the Incident:
On the evening of December 30, 2024, a man attempted to exit the Target store at the FIGat7th
Security Guard and Loss Prevention Team Respond to Violent Shoplifting Incident at Target
📍 Location: FIGat7th Shopping Center, 735 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 8:55 PM
📅 Date: December 30, 2024
Summary of the Incident:
On the evening of December 30, 2024, a man attempted to exit the Target store at the FIGat7th shopping center with over $1,000 worth of stolen merchandise. He was approached by store security including a loss prevention officer and a contracted armed security guard.
The suspect drew a firearm and opened fire inside the store, striking both the loss prevention officer and the security guard.
Despite being wounded, the security guard returned fire, forcing the suspect to flee. Law enforcement later located the shooter after a standoff. Both victims survived the attack and were treated for their injuries.
A Reflection on the Reality:
This incident is a sobering reminder that even a retail setting can turn deadly in seconds. What began as a shoplifting stop became an active shooting, and it was the coordination, courage, and training of both the loss prevention team and the armed guard that kept the situation from escalating into a fatal tragedy.
Preparedness doesn’t just protect property. It protects people.
It's also important to understand the distinction not to divide, but to clarify.
- Loss prevention officers are often store employees focused on stopping theft and protecting inventory. They’re typically unarmed, working on the front lines of retail crime prevention.
- Private security personnel, particularly armed guards, are trained to respond when those situations turn dangerous to deter, defend, and stabilize violent threats.
In this case, both roles were essential.
Loss prevention identified and engaged the issue. The armed guard stepped in when it turned violent.
They didn’t operate in isolation they faced the threat together.
Why This Story Matters:
- Reinforces the need for cooperation between store-based and contracted personnel
- Highlights the value of training and readiness in responding to fast-moving threats
- Demonstrates that armed guards aren’t about intimidation they’re about safety
- Reminds us that loss prevention teams are vulnerable when left without support or protective tools
A Broader Lesson:
This wasn’t just theft it was attempted murder.
Too often, we treat retail crime like it’s harmless. But incidents like this prove that behind every uniform whether it’s a red shirt or a black vest is a human life worth protecting.
This time, both victims survived. But that outcome wasn’t luck it was the result of preparation, presence, and teamwork.
🛡️ To the guards and store teams who put themselves between danger and the public this one’s for you.
San Diego, California
📍 Location: Alpha Project Shelter, 1700 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 7:00 PM
📅 Date: December 28, 2019
Summary of the Incident:
On the evening of December 28, 2019, 44-year-old Ernest Lee Buchanan Jr., an unarmed security guard working at the Alpha Project homeless shelter in downtown San Diego, was fatally shot whi
📍 Location: Alpha Project Shelter, 1700 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 7:00 PM
📅 Date: December 28, 2019
Summary of the Incident:
On the evening of December 28, 2019, 44-year-old Ernest Lee Buchanan Jr., an unarmed security guard working at the Alpha Project homeless shelter in downtown San Diego, was fatally shot while on break. Buchanan, a dedicated protector of one of the city’s most vulnerable populations, was sitting in his car with a colleague when he was suddenly targeted in a senseless act of violence.
Though he was not on patrol at the moment of the attack, Buchanan was performing the kind of essential job few recognize until it’s too late. His presence provided safety and structure for residents and staff within the shelter many of whom faced mental health challenges, addiction, or the scars of life on the streets.
Ernest was struck by gunfire and later died from his injuries. His life was stolen in a cowardly act with no warning, no escalation, and no justification.
A Reflection on the Reality:
Ernest Buchanan’s story is not just one of tragedy it’s one of dedication. He showed up each day for a community that most of society overlooks. He worked without a weapon, without headlines, and without the protections often afforded to others in high-risk professions. But like many guards, armed or unarmed, he stood as a front-line presence between order and chaos often in the shadows.
His death reveals a painful truth: the job title may stay the same, but the danger changes daily. Whether a guard is equipped with a firearm or a flashlight, the threat doesn’t care. What matters is how we prepare, support, and recognize those who step into these roles.
Security is more than visibility. It is preparation. It is training. It is recognizing when a guard is being asked to carry more than just tools often, they carry the full weight of public safety on their shoulders. Ernest was doing a vital job — but the structure around him failed to recognize the burden he bore.
Why This Story Matters:
- Highlights the unpredictable risks faced by all security professionals armed or unarmed
- Reminds us that some roles place guards in dangerous environments without full awareness of the risks
- Urges the need for post-specific training, proper equipment, and realistic expectations from employers and clients
Security guards don’t always get to choose the settings they’re assigned to. Whether working with a baton, a badge, or a firearm, the threat doesn’t always wait for backup.
This can happen to anyone not just unarmed guards. Whether you’ve trained for years or just got certified, the nature of this job puts you on the front line. No post is too “routine” to turn dangerous.
Stay alert. Stay humble. Watch your six.
Beyond the Uniform:
Ernest Buchanan Jr. was more than a title. He was a beloved son, a friend, and a community figure. He served with pride and made his workplace safer just by being there. His calm demeanor and quiet strength made him a respected presence among both residents and coworkers.
In his memory, we remind the world: security guards are people first and protectors always. Their sacrifices must not be invisible. Their lives must not be treated as expendable.
🕯️ Rest in peace, Ernest Buchanan Jr.
🛡️ Your courage and presence will not be forgotten.
Pleasanton, CA
📍 Location: Home Depot, 6000 Johnson Drive, Pleasanton, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 2:15 PM
📅 Date: April 18, 2023
Summary of the Incident:
On the afternoon of April 18, 2023, 26-year-old Blake Mohs, a loss prevention associate at the Home Depot in Pleasanton, California, was fatally shot while attempting to stop a theft in progress. Mohs
📍 Location: Home Depot, 6000 Johnson Drive, Pleasanton, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 2:15 PM
📅 Date: April 18, 2023
Summary of the Incident:
On the afternoon of April 18, 2023, 26-year-old Blake Mohs, a loss prevention associate at the Home Depot in Pleasanton, California, was fatally shot while attempting to stop a theft in progress. Mohs approached a woman attempting to leave through the store’s loading dock with unpaid merchandise. During the confrontation, the suspect produced a firearm and shot Mohs in the chest at close range before fleeing the scene with an accomplice.
Despite immediate response and transport to a local hospital, Mohs later succumbed to his injuries. The incident unfolded in broad daylight, in a busy retail environment, in front of shocked employees and customers.
A Reflection on the Reality:
Blake Mohs' death sheds light on a painful truth within the retail and loss prevention world: the role of theft intervention is often far more dangerous than the title suggests. Whether working as part of a corporate asset protection team or hired directly by store leadership, many loss prevention professionals are placed in harm’s way without access to defensive tools or protective equipment.
While some organizations provide detailed protocols and in-depth training, others rely heavily on internal policy or informal guidance often shaped more by company liability concerns than real-world safety standards. In many cases, individuals are asked to confront theft suspects alone, unarmed, and without clear escalation protocols.
The reality is this: theft intervention is never just a conversation. Every interaction carries risk and that risk is growing. Many loss prevention employees operate in fast-paced environments where the line between merchandise recovery and personal danger is razor thin.
This isn’t about whether someone was trained it’s about whether they were supported.
The system must recognize that loss prevention is a safety role, not just a financial one. That means giving these individuals the tools, structure, and situational awareness training they need not just policies, expectations, and pressure to recover goods.
Why This Story Matters:
- Exposes the growing danger associated with retail loss prevention roles
- Highlights the need for clear, realistic protocols in theft intervention settings
- Underscores the importance of preparation over assumption
Blake’s death was not the result of a single decision. It was the result of an environment that asked one person to confront what turned out to be a violent crime in progress with no idea how fast it would turn deadly.
These incidents are becoming more common. And every time it happens, we’re reminded that theft deterrence should never cost someone their life.
Stay alert. Stay humble. Watch your six.
Beyond the Uniform:
Blake Mohs was more than a retail employee. He was a community volunteer, a leader among his peers, and a young man engaged to be married. His passion for helping others extended far beyond the job site. He was someone who wanted to make things better and, in many ways, he already had.
His courage will not be forgotten and neither should the circumstances that led to this tragedy.
🕯️ Rest in peace, Blake Mohs.
🛡️ Your dedication and bravery will not be forgotten.
Sylmar, California
Sylmar, California
📍 Location: Food 4 Less, Glenoaks Blvd & Hubbard St, Sylmar, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 2:45 PM
📅 Date: August 6, 2017
Summary of the Incident:
On the afternoon of August 6, 2017, 28-year-old Joe Lopez, a security guard at the Food 4 Less supermarket in Sylmar, California, was fatally stabbed while attempting to prevent a theft. Lopez con
📍 Location: Food 4 Less, Glenoaks Blvd & Hubbard St, Sylmar, CA
🕒 Time: Approximately 2:45 PM
📅 Date: August 6, 2017
Summary of the Incident:
On the afternoon of August 6, 2017, 28-year-old Joe Lopez, a security guard at the Food 4 Less supermarket in Sylmar, California, was fatally stabbed while attempting to prevent a theft. Lopez confronted a man who had attempted to steal beer from the store. The suspect fled, and Lopez followed him outside, where a confrontation took place. During that exchange, the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed Lopez.
Joe was rushed to a nearby hospital, but despite emergency efforts, he did not survive. He died doing what many guards are asked to do every day prevent crime, protect property, and maintain peace in a public space.
A Reflection on the Reality:
Joe Lopez’s death is a heartbreaking example of how quickly a routine post can turn deadly. This was a daytime retail assignment not a nightclub, not a high-threat location. But the danger found him anyway.
His loss speaks to something larger: security guards often face serious threats without clear defensive tools, formal backup, or the authority to act beyond basic company policy. While some guards may be trained and equipped, many are assigned to high-risk roles with unclear post orders or reactive expectations especially in retail environments where theft is common, but violence feels “unlikely.”
We still do not know whether Joe was armed but it may not have changed the outcome. What he needed was support, protocol, and a system that prioritized his life as much as the merchandise he was protecting.
Why This Story Matters:
- Highlights how quickly a “routine” post can become fatal
- Reinforces the need for realistic post assignments and employer accountability
- Serves as a reminder that guards must be trained, equipped, and respected
Joe’s death is a sobering reminder that the job title may say “observe and report,” but real life doesn’t always follow the script. Guards like Joe put themselves in harm’s way to protect others and they deserve more than a badge and a flashlight.
Stay alert. Stay humble. Watch your six.
Beyond the Uniform:
Joe Lopez was more than a security guard. He was a young man with purpose, standing between chaos and calm. He showed up for work that day not knowing it would be his last and yet, he did what many wouldn’t: he stepped up when something wasn’t right.
His courage matters. His life mattered. And so does the lesson his story teaches.
🕯️ Rest in peace, Joe Lopez.
🛡️ Your bravery will not be forgotten.