On Tuesday, April 18th in Pleasanton, California, 26-year-old Blake Mohs, was murdered when he attempted to stop a robbery in progress. Mohs was a Home Depot loss prevention employee and was murdered when he, as part of that role, tried to stop people from robbing the store.
Two suspects have been identified: Benicia Knapps, 32, and David Guillory, 31.
According to the police, Mohs confronted Knapps while she was shoplifting, accusing her of doing so and trying to stop her robbery attempt. Instead of backing down and putting the shoplifted products back, she resisted and shot him. Knapps then fled the scene, escaping in a car driven by suspect the other suspect, Guillory. Knapps’ child was in the vehicle as well. Both Knapps and Guillory have been arrested on suspicion of murder, robbery, child endangerment, and conspiracy.
Tragically, Mohs was soon to be married when he was murdered. The police announced as much at the end of the statement they released on Facebook, saying (emphasis ours):
Following a shooting that occurred at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18 inside Home Depot (6000 Johnson Drive), Pleasanton Police Department confirms the victim tragically died from his injuries. The victim is 26-year-old Blake Mohs who was a Home Depot loss prevention employee and Tri-Valley resident.
During the investigation, detectives determined Mohs confronted a female shoplifter who resisted and shot him. The suspect, Benicia Knapps (32), ran to a getaway car driven by a male suspect, David Guillory (31). Knapp’s child was also inside the vehicle. After they fled the scene, a handgun was recovered in a nearby intersection. Around 2:30 p.m., the two suspects were detained by Alameda County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and the child was released to relatives.
“I am devastated by the loss of Blake Mohs in yesterday’s senseless shooting. Through his service to Tri-Valley organizations, Blake was a model for others. To have a life cut short is heartbreaking and infuriating. I’m joined by the City Council in offering our deepest condolences to Blake’s family, friends, loved ones, and to everyone impacted by this tragedy,” said Mayor Karla Brown.
Blake was a well-known member of the community who helped keep customers and staff safe. He was involved in community youth programs and planned to be married in the summer. He is survived by his parents, brother, and fiancée.
Home Depot released a statement on the matter as well, saying, “We’re heartbroken over this senseless tragedy. Blake was our associate and friend, and our hearts go out to his family and everyone who knew and loved him.”
Additionally, Mohs’ longtime, good friend, Scott Rodgers, told KTVU that Mohs was a “huge volunteer” with the local Boy Scouts of America troop even in the years following his own time as a scout.
Blake Mohs (on the left) image credit: Blake Mohs Facebook. Suspect images credit: Pleasanton Police Department
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