From Kim Minugh:
After a convenience store clerk was killed during an armed robbery in south Sacramento on Monday night, authorities are warning other business owners and employees that fighting back could lead to a far worse outcome.
Sacramento County sheriff's detectives say 44-year-old Ravinder Singh Banga was shot behind the counter of MC Discount Liquor and Food Minimart at 4800 47th Ave. after he struggled with a man attempting to rob him shortly before 9 p.m.
The sheriff's department has released surveillance video of the robbery and shooting. See the raw video here.
The suspect shot Banga once in the chest during the struggle, and then fled the store on foot, said sheriff's Sgt. Tim Curran. Another employee heard the gunshot while in a refrigerated area behind the store and came out to see someone in dark clothing leave the store, Curran said.
Homicide detective Jason Cvitanov said the suspect is believed to have been wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. It's unclear whether the suspect had a car outside.
Detectives believe that the suspect likely was after money and that the struggle might have prompted the shooting.
"It appeared the victim was trying to protect himself and the business," Cvitanov said. "Business owners should be aware it's property, and it's not worth getting injured or seriously hurt trying to save a few dollars or save property."
According to robbery detectives, hundreds of armed commercial robberies are committed every year within the Sheriff's Department's jurisdiction without any violence, Curran said.
"Statistics show that the vast majority end in a simple robbery when the clerks do not put up a fight," Curran said.
Obeying the suspect's commands might help ensure a safe outcome, Curran and Cvitanov advised.
Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call Homicide Detective Jason Cvitanov at (916) 874-3778 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-4357. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.
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