Concealed Carry Holder Shoots Knife-Wielding Man At Restaurant

A knife-wielding man was fatally shot Sunday afternoon after charging toward an armed customer inside a Cerritos restaurant, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. on July 19, 2026, at Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que in the 11300 block of South Street.

Investigators said the man, believed to be in his 30s, entered the restaurant carrying a knife and ran through the kitchen and service areas, frightening employees and customers.

A customer who was legally carrying a concealed firearm confronted the man and repeatedly ordered him to drop the knife, according to sheriff’s officials.

Authorities say the man instead charged toward the armed customer while still holding the knife. The customer then fired, striking the man.

Deputies arrived to find the suspect suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The customer remained at the restaurant, cooperated with investigators, and has not been arrested. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau continues to investigate the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.