Reed Keith, 59

Died March 23, 2012

Reed Keith, a 59-year-old white man, was shot and killed during a robbery at his computer store Friday, March 23, in the 2000 block of West Avenue K in Lancaster, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Deputies responded to a report of shots fired at Avenue K and 20th Street West. When they arrived, they found Keith dead at the scene, said Sgt. Jill Deschamps of the Sheriff's Department's Lancaster station.

The shooting occurred in the parking lot of a Denny's restaurant, near the store the suspected shooter was robbing.

Sheriff’s deputies and homicide detectives tracked the suspect to a location in the 43000 block of Grange Street in Lancaster about four hours after the incident.

A large deployment of the Special Enforcement Bureau — the sheriff’s version of a SWAT team — was engaged in an armed standoff with the suspect, said Deputy Peter Gomez.

Authorities ended up arresting Timothy Johnson, a 23-year-old black man, in connection with Keith’s killing. Johnson was a gang member on parole.

Johnson allegedly stole several electronic devices, which were later recovered, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

— Carol J. Williams