Shop owner shot, killed over rainbow flag outside clothing store near Lake Arrowhead

The owner of a clothing shop in Cedar Glen was shot and killed Friday night, Aug. 18, after a person made several disparaging comments about a rainbow flag displayed outside the store, authorities said.

The suspect was found nearby by arriving deputies, who shot and killed him, San Bernardino County sheriff’s officials said.

Deputies responded to the Magpi clothing store on Hook Creek Road around 5 p.m. and found the victim, identified as Laura Ann Carleton, 66, outside the store suffering from a gunshot wound.

Carleton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies received information the suspect, a man, was seen on Torrey Road east of Highway 173 and found him near Rouse Ranch Road, about a mile north of the store, officials said. What led up to authorities shooting him was not immediately disclosed.

The suspect’s identity was withheld by officials pending notification of his relatives.

Carleton, known as Lauri, operated two Magpi stores, in Studio City and Cedar Glen, with the Cedar Glen location opening in the Summer of 2021, according to posts from the business’ social media pages.

Additional details about the shootings were not immediately available.