Security guard who fatally shot suspected shoplifter at Hollywood Walgreens is charged with murder
12/31/2018 11:44 am PST
By Cindy Von Quednow, KTLA
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) -- A security guard who fatally shot a suspected shoplifter at a Hollywood Walgreens pharmacy earlier this month has been charged with murder, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced Monday.
Donald Vincent Ciota II, 28, was also charged with using a firearm as a deadly weapon.
The incident unfolded at the heavily-trafficked store at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street on Dec. 2. Ciotta allegedly confronted Johnathan Hart and the two got into a fight, prosecutors allege.
Ciota then pulled out his gun and fatally shot Hart as he ran away, officials said.
Hart, who was described as being homeless, was unarmed.
Ciota was scheduled to be arraigned Monday and his bail has been set at $3 million.
He faces 50 years to life in prison if convicted as charged.
Hart's family filed a $525 million lawsuit against the company, alleging that was profiled for being black, homeless and gay.
FULL STORY: Security Guard Who Fatally Shot Suspected Shoplifter at Hollywood Walgreens Is Charged With Murder - KTLA
