N. Hollywood Robbery Suspect Shot While Fleeing Policeman

A police officer shot and slightly wounded a robbery suspect fleeing a North Hollywood liquor store when the officer thought the suspect was reaching for a gun, Los Angeles police said.

Raymundo Azcuart, 20, was treated at North Hollywood Medical Center for a graze wound on his right buttock after his arrest Tuesday on suspicion of robbery at Saticoy Liquors, 11415 Saticoy St., police said.

Sgt. Sid Nuckles said Azcuart entered the store about 9:15 p.m. to purchase a bottle of beer. An employee of the store saw him shoplifting from a deli case, and police were called and told that a robbery was in progress, Nuckles said.

Before police arrived, Nuckles said, two employees confronted Azcuart and a dispute began in which Azcuart struck one of the employees with the bottle of beer. Sgt. Joseph Dvorak, 47, a 21-year veteran, arrived and, not knowing who was the robbery suspect, told all three men to put their hands up. They complied, but Azcuart then walked out of the store and started running toward an alley, Nuckles said.

“Sgt. Dvorak began to chase,” Nuckles said. “He saw Azcuart reach toward the front of his waistband,” causing Dvorak to believe that Azcuart was arming himself.

Dvorak, fearing for his safety, fired twice, Nuckles said. One shot grazed Azcuart, who rounded the corner into the alley and was captured moments later by other officers.