Miracle Mile: Security guard, 25, killed at medical marijuana clinic
Security guard Noe Campos Gonzalez, 25, a Latino man from Los Angeles, died after he was shot while working at a medical marijuana clinic in the 800 block of South La Brea Avenue about 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Two men were arrested the next day in connection with the apparent robbery attempt at the La Brea Collective, a medical marijuana dispensary, said Officer April Harding of the Los Angeles Police Department. Leon Banks, 31, and Lovie Matthew, 30, were booked on suspicion of murder, and each was being held in lieu of $1-million bail, said Los Angeles Police Officer Kate Lopez.
Gonzalez was working when "several armed" men walked into the business "with the intent to rob the dispensary," Lopez said. A struggle started, and one of the men pulled out a handgun and shot Gonzalez multiple times. The men ran off, Lopez said. Gonzalez was taken to a hospital, where he died at 4:20 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
Police were searching for a third person they said was involved in the shooting: a black man in his 20s with a slim build, 5 feet 7 inches tall and 160 pounds. Police say his hair was styled in corn rows, and he was wearing a white tank top, beige shorts and white sneakers. Anyone with information is requested to call police at (877) LAWFULL.
—Tami Abdollah
It is to bad he was killed, but why would he attempt to stop a robbery when he was not even armed and outnumbered. This is the reason why it is not good to resist some of these criminals. Just be a good witness and let the police go after them.
Posted by: Rick | October 04, 2008 at 05:27 PM
It doesnt surprise me those clinics are dangerous for the workers. Althought they have security it is a federal violationto have guns on the premises so these place have remained unarmed. The federal govertment needs to stop criminalizing marijuana and allow these people to be armed and protect themselves from some one trying to rob the place and make a quick buck.
Posted by: Hollywood head | October 04, 2008 at 10:14 PM
This man gave his life to allow safe access for individuals who desperately need the quality of life that medical marijuana gives them. He is a hero and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
Posted by: dbspcl | October 06, 2008 at 09:06 AM
this is unfortunate the guard had to lose his life doing his job and his family now isuffering in pain from this loss. these clinic may need to come up with a solution of bettering their security and dispensing of this products. As for the suspects they will definately get the max for this crime and it will only be a matter of time before the other person is apprehended because one cannot hide from the law. To this family pray that theLord strengthen you daily and please do not hold a grudge against others for this crime because there are those who feel your pain and are good working, christian abiding citizens May God Bless You.
Posted by: Kim Smith | October 06, 2008 at 11:48 AM
With the Deepest Sympathy for the Gonzalez family:( All Gonzo was trying to suvive and bring bread to the dinner table and he never made it! I pray that JUSTICE will be served.
Posted by: pedrokoreatown | October 06, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Hello everyone one im one of Gonzalez co-workers and good friend i thank you for all the support and kind words that you expressed for Noe. We will be having a car wash this Sunday in culver city at the shell gas station starting at 8am, it cost $5. All proceeds are going to his family all are welcome. it located on Culver and motor across the street from Sony Pictures Studios. Once again thank you and God Bless.
Posted by: RYANESPARZA | October 09, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Noe was a wonderful person, always full of joy and making everyone smile. His heart was huge and for that he will truely be missed. It is so sad that he had to be killed for some damn marijuana and now his family has to suffer. For the person who posted the comment "why would he attempt to stop a robbery when he was not even armed and outnumbered" it does't matter, he did'nt deserve to be killed, and I'm sure he didn't think he woud be killed. Think before you write things. I send my Love and Prayers to the Campos/ Gonzalez Family. R.I.P Noe.
Posted by: Laticia Riley | October 09, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Laticia I posted the comment and I meant no disrespect to the man. If you feel that way, then I apologize. It is a tragedy when any person is killed like this. Thank God the police caught two out of the three responsible for the killing of this man. His family and friends have my sincere sympathies.
Posted by: Rick | October 10, 2008 at 07:42 AM
This is trully saddening, i hope the other gets caught too.
Posted by: Local Security Guard | January 28, 2009 at 08:34 AM
HI EVERYBODY, NOE IS AN UNCLE TO MY FOUR CHILDREN, I KNEW HIM FROM WHEN HE WAS A TEEN. IT HURTS ME TO KNOW THAT MY JOHNATHAN, STEVEN NATHAN AND JAMES RIGOBERTO ARE NOW DEPRIVED OF HIS LOVE AND WONT GET TO HAVE GOOD TIMES WITH HIM. THIS MANS LOVE FOR HIS MOTHER WAS SO HUGE AND HE ALWAYS SHOWED IT. I ALWAYS ASK GOD FOR HIM AND HIS FAMILY. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO THE INDIVIDUALS THAT DID THIS. WHEN NOE DIED IT DID SOMETHING STRANGE TO THE WAY I NOW VIEW MY FEELINGS AND WAYS OF BEING. GOD BLESS YOU NOE GONZALEZ.
Posted by: SILVIA CAMPOS | May 11, 2009 at 03:56 PM
I am so sad to hear about Noe a year later. I used to enjoy his company so much that it hurts to know that such a nice and down to earth kind of guy could lose his life. For two years, Noe use to ride the company Tram I drove why working at Sony Pictures. We always joked around. I feel empty knowing he's gone, we all have lost a special person.
Posted by: Alfred Rodriguez | October 06, 2009 at 07:15 PM