Man, 71, Intervenes in Dispute, Is Killed

A 71-year-old man was killed early Saturday when he tried to intervene in a dispute between three men and a clerk in a South-Central Los Angeles liquor store.

Police said Thomas Jefferson died after being shot in the face during the dispute, which occurred at about 1:05 a.m. at Jerry’s Market, 4279 S. Vermont Ave. Though wounded, Jefferson, who was working as a security officer, managed to pull a gun and wound his alleged assailant, said Sgt. J.J. Reese of the LAPD’s Southwest Division.

The wounded gunman was taken to California Medical Center, where he was reported to be in guarded condition. His identity and the nature of his wound could not be learned.

Authorities said they did not know what prompted the shooting.