Aspiring Cop Working As Home Depot Loss Prevention Employee Killed After Confronting Shoplifter

Pleasanton, CA – A Home Depot loss prevention employee was gunned down by a female shoplifter during a confrontation inside the store on Tuesday, according to police.

The incident occurred at the store located at 6000 Johnson Drive at approximately 2:15 p.m. on April 18, the Pleasanton Police Department (PPD) said in a press release.

The PPD dispatch center received 911 calls that a man was bleeding profusely inside the business.

They arrived to find the victim, 26-year-old Blake Mohs, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Police rendered aid to Mohs before he was rushed to Eden Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to PPD detectives, Mohs was confronting 32-year-old Benicia Knapps about a shoplifting when Knapps allegedly “resisted and shot him.”

Police said the suspect was trying to exit the store’s loading dock with a charger or electric tool when Mohs stopped her, CBS News reported.

Knapps then ran out of the store and jumped into a “getaway car” driven by 31-year-old David Guillory, the PPD said.

Knapps’ two-year-old child was also inside the vehicle when the duo fled the scene.

Investigators said they recovered the suspected murder weapon lying in a nearby intersection.

Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) deputies spotted the suspect vehicle at approximately 2:30 p.m. and were able to take Knapps and Guillory into custody near the 700-block of Ney Avenue in Oakland without further incident.

Police said Knapps’ child was placed into the custody of relatives.

After being placed into the back of an ACSO patrol unit, Knapps allegedly harmed herself by choking herself with a seatbelt until she passed out, CBS News reported.

Knapps was transported to a hospital on a mental health hold, but she will be booked into jail once she is released, USA Today reported.

She has been charged with robbery, murder, and conspiracy, USA Today reported.

Guillory was arrested on charges of child endangerment, felony evading, delaying/obstructing arrest, and conspiracy.

Investigators said it is likely the duo will face additional charges as the investigation continues, USA Today reported.

Mohs was a Tri-Valley resident who was planning to marry his fiancée this summer, the PPD said.

He is also survived by his parents and brother.

“Blake was a well-known member of the community who helped keep customers and staff safe,” the department added.

He was also heavily involved in local community youth programs, according to the PPD.

Pleasanton Mayor Karla Brown said the fatal shooting was “senseless” and that she is “devastated by the loss” of Mohs.

“Through his service to Tri-Valley organizations, Blake was a model for others. To have a life cut short is heartbreaking and infuriating,” Brown said. “I’m joined by the City Council in offering our deepest condolences to Blake’s family, friends, loved ones, and to everyone impacted by this tragedy.”

Mohs’ mother, Lorie Mohs, told KGO her son aspired to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and wanted to become a law enforcement officer.

“We lost one of the good ones,” his father, Eric Mohs, told the news outlet.

Home Depot said it is “heartbroken over this senseless tragedy,” USA Today reported.

“Blake was our associate and friend, and our hearts go out to his family and everyone who knew and loved him,” the company said.