Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
A man armed with a knife was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon after running into a crowded Southern California barbecue restaurant, where authorities say he was confronted by a legally armed concealed carry permit holder.
According to NBCLA, the incident happened shortly after 2 p.m. at a Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que in Cerritos. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the man entered the restaurant acting erratically while armed with a knife.
Investigators said the man ran through the restaurant’s kitchen and service area, frightening both employees and customers.
“The person describing the call was the decedent who ran into Lucille’s while armed with a knife, ran through the kitchen and service area of the restaurant, scaring customers and staff,” an LASD lieutenant said during the investigation.
Authorities say the suspect was then confronted by another man inside the restaurant who possessed a valid concealed carry permit.
SEE ALSO: Prodigy COA Tested: 100 Yards, Zero Malfunctions
The decedent was confronted by an armed citizen who possessed a concealed carry permit,” the lieutenant said.
The armed citizen opened fire, fatally shooting the knife-wielding man. No other injuries were reported.
NBCLA reported that investigators have not released the identities of either man, and the circumstances leading up to the confrontation remain under investigation. The shooting scene was cordoned off with crime scene tape as sheriff’s investigators processed evidence outside the busy shopping center.
Eyewitness News spoke to a Lucille's employee who described a graphic scene, saying that what he saw was straight out of a horror film. @abc7abigail
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) July 20, 2026
A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department source told Eyewitness News that a person with a concealed carry permit shot and killed… pic.twitter.com/a8sakNsHbL
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active.
The concealed carry permit holder is cooperating with investigators, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and no arrests have been announced.
As of Tuesday evening, investigators had not released additional information about what prompted the knife-wielding man to enter the restaurant or whether any relationship existed between him and the armed citizen.
The case remains under investigation. Stay tuned for updates.
Self-defense doesn’t end when the threat goes down. That’s when the real battle begins. Lawyers. Prosecutors. Headlines. USCCA Members never fight that battle alone. Find out how.
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
Available on GunsAmerica Now
is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
ban knives now………sarc.