A man allegedly shot and killed a woman in California after becoming enraged about the display of a rainbow flag at the victim’s shop.
On Friday, August 18, reports of a shooting at the Mag Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen, close to Lake Arrowhead, northeast of Los Angeles, were brought to the attention of Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station deputies.
“When deputies arrived, they located the victim, identified as Laura Ann Carleton, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel pronounced Carleton deceased at the scene”, reads a statement from San Bernadino police. “During the response to the initial scene on Hook Creek Road, deputies received updates from sheriff’s dispatch indicating the suspect, who has not been identified, fled on foot and was seen on Torrey Road, east of Highway 173.”
A firearm was still in the suspect’s possession when deputies subsequently found him at Torrey Road and Rouse Ranch Road. Reports state that the man, who was still armed, was confronted by police and killed in a gunfight. Law enforcement personnel were not hurt.
Additionally responding, the investigation has been taken up by the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division.
In a Saturday Facebook post, Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ, which describes its mission as fostering an accepting and secure environment for LGBTQ persons in the area, paid homage to Carleton. “Today was a very sad day for Lake Arrowhead and for the LGBTQ community. Our friend and supporter Lauri Carleton @magpi_shop was murdered defending her lgbtq+ Pride flags in front of her store in Cedar Glen, California.
