A tragic incident occurred in Cedar Glen near Lake Arrowhead on Friday night when a store owner was allegedly shot and killed for hanging a Pride flag outside her shop. The San Bernardino County deputies responded to a shooting at the Mag Pi clothing store located at 28938 Hook Creek Road around 5 p.m.
Upon arrival, deputies found Laura Ann Carleton, 66, suffering from a gunshot wound. Unfortunately, Carleton was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, who has not been identified, fled on foot towards Torrey Road, east of Highway 173.
During their search, deputies spotted the suspect, who was armed with a handgun, near Torrey Road and Rause Rancho Road. According to officials, a “lethal force encounter occurred,” during which the suspect was killed. The exact cause of the suspect’s death has not been disclosed.
Detectives learned that prior to shooting Carleton, the suspect had made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag displayed outside the store.
This violent incident remains under investigation. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Detail is urging anyone with information to come forward and contact them at 909-890-4904. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-782-7463 or online at wetip.com.