A Fatal Confrontation: The Lompoc Police Shooting Incident

On the night of December 28, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded at the Circle K convenience store on Ocean Avenue in Lompoc, California. A young man, Connor Amador, entered the store armed with what appeared to be a gun and machete, attempting to carjack vehicles and rob the cash register. The ensuing confrontation would ultimately result in a fatal shooting by a police officer.

According to eyewitness accounts and video footage released by the Lompoc Police Department, Amador first attempted to break into a vehicle parked outside the store around 11:30 p.m. However, he was unsuccessful in his efforts. Two minutes later, at approximately 1:20 a.m., two police officers responded to a report of an attempted carjacking and arrived at the scene.

Amador, still armed with what appeared to be a gun and machete, entered the store and pointed the weapon directly at the back of the clerk's head. He forced the clerk to open the register, and after collecting cash from the drawer, brandished the firearm under his shirt, threatening the cashier.

The video footage, published on the Lompoc Police YouTube page, shows Amador's brazen actions as he circles the car, unable to break into it. Undeterred, he returns inside the store, still armed with both weapons.

Less than two hours later, at around 1:18 a.m., Amador returned to the same Circle K store and attempted to carjack another vehicle parked outside. This time, he was met by law enforcement officers who had been monitoring the situation. Despite being confronted, Amador continued to brandish his weapon, forcing the cashier to open the register once more.

Tragically, the situation escalated further when Amador pointed what appeared to be a gun at the clerk and refused to comply with police instructions. In response, an officer fired their weapon, resulting in Amador's fatal injury.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day and highlights the importance of swift action in high-pressure situations. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the Lompoc community comes together to mourn the loss of 20-year-old Connor Amador.

Gun pointing stock photo