The Columbia Police Department (CPD) is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred overnight at a local Chinese restaurant between an employee and suspect.
*The suspect was shot and killed during the incident after an employee acted in self-defense*
Case Information:
Officers were dispatched to 2419 Forest Drive (China Kitchen) shortly before 11:00 p.m. for a reported armed robbery. When they arrived, the noticed a male on the ground with a gunshot wound to the upper body.
Upon further investigation and while speaking with several witnesses, including patrons, officers learned that the male was identified as the armed robbery suspect.
The suspect was described as a male wearing all black, including a hoodie and a bandanna over his face. He’s accused of entering the store and demanding money from employees at gunpoint.
Initially, the suspect is accused of victimizing two female employees while demanding money from the register. The victims immediately 
ran to safety at another location inside of the restaurant.
Another female employee, heard the commotion at the front of the store and reported that the suspect also pointed a gun at her to demand money.
She complied with his demands and while she was opening the register to hand over the cash, she was able to grab his gun. During the struggle between the victim and suspect, a co-worker/relative came to the front of the store, saw the incident, and used his handgun to shoot the suspect.
The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
No charges will be filed against the employee since he acted in self-defense.
Officers with the University of South Carolina’s (USC) Division of Law Enforcement and Safety, and Allen University assisted CPD with the investigation.