LOCAL : El Toro Store Owner in Critical Condition After Fight With Bandits
An El Toro jewelry store owner shot during a robbery remained in critical condition today at a Mission Viejo hospital, authorities said.
Robert Gossett, 69, was shot in the shoulder during an exchange of gunfire with one of four bandits who raided Gossett’s jewelry store on El Toro Road about 10:50 a.m. Wednesday, Orange County sheriff’s deputies said.
The robbers, wearing brightly colored sweat suits, moved customers into the back of Gossett’s Jewelry. As the bandits began smashing cases with tire irons and taking jewelry, Gossett emerged from behind a partition holding a handgun, authorities said.
After Gossett was wounded in the ensuing gunfight, he was taken to Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.
The bandits, one woman and three men, all escaped in a white four-door sedan, believed to be a Honda or Hyundai.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
