Overview

• The incident occurred during a private after-hours sale at Sole & Laces on Third Street Promenade on May 18, 2025.
• The intruder sprayed the store owner with a chemical irritant before being fatally shot during a struggle.
• Karen Melikyan, 41, an associate of the store owner, has been arrested and charged with homicide, armed robbery, and conspiracy for planning the robbery.
• Authorities have confirmed the attack was targeted, involving individuals who knew each other, and emphasized there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
• The store owner, who is cooperating with investigators, has not been charged, and the case remains under active investigation.