A security guard who was pepper sprayed by a man outside of a jewelry store fired gunshots in self-defense, police said.
Police responded to a report of shots fired outside the Fullerton Jewelry Mart in the 1300 block of South Harbor Boulevard about 6 p.m. Wednesday, Fullerton Police Sgt. Dan Castillo said.
The shots fired were by an armed security guard, who had just been pepper sprayed in the face by a man police believe was going to rob the jewelry store until the guard fired rounds.
Police described the incident as an "interrupted robbery."
The security guard washed his eyes and was not taken to a hospital, but his use of force is under review, police said.
"I would assume the security officer feared for his safety, therefore he discharged his duty weapon," Castillo said. "I do feel he was in fear for his own safety."
The man with pepper spray never entered the jewelry store, and he escaped in a dark-colored SUV waiting nearby. Police said witnesses were not able to get a good enough look at the man or the driver for a description.
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It was not clear whether the man was struck by the gunfire.
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