Two men have been arrested following a deadly business robbery in Bayview, Chatsworth, that claimed the life of an armed response officer over the weekend.
According to authorities, the suspects face multiple charges including murder, attempted murder, business robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, and malicious damage to property. The incident took place on Lenny Naidu Drive on Sunday morning.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene of the shooting. A paramedic team arrived to find that a robbery had occurred at a local store. A security officer, believed to be in his forties, had attempted to intervene when he was shot in the chest. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead on the scene.
The violence didn’t end there. Two elderly bystanders were also injured when their vehicle was struck in the crossfire. They were treated and transported to a private hospital for further care.
The suspects were apprehended shortly after fleeing the scene.
Tributes have poured in for the fallen officer, Vikesh Maniram, who served with One Stop Group. Colleagues and community members described him as brave, dedicated, and deeply committed to protecting others.
“He wasn’t just a security officer; he was a person of integrity who gave his all,” one colleague shared. “His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Authorities confirmed the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.