Authorities identify security guard fatally shot in Ramona

By: North County Times wire services - | Thursday, July 26, 2007 8:29 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO - A man fatally shot when he confronted a possible shoplifter while working as a security guard at a Kmart in Ramona was identified as a 32-year-old Navy sailor.

Petty Officer 1st Class David C. Busby II was a gunner's mate stationed in San Diego, said Lt. Cmdr. Heidi J. Lenzini of Naval Surface Forces.

Busby was shot about 2:40 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of a Kmart near Main Street and Pala Avenue in Ramona and died at the scene.

"This is a tremendous loss for his family, for his fellow shipmates and for the Navy -- we have lost a great sailor," Lenzini said in a statement.

The victim was working as a security guard when he confronted Andrew Nicholas Griffith, who allegedly set off a merchandise alarm at the store's exit.

Witnesses told police that Busby had followed Griffith, 28, into the parking lot and confronted him. The two began to struggle, prompting the guard's partner to run out into the parking lot to help.

"It was during this struggle that the suspect reached into the area of his waistband, where he retrieved a handgun," said Lt. Dennis Brugos with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. "Shots were then fired, wounding the victim."

First aid was rendered to Busby until paramedics arrived, but he died on the spot.

Shoppers helped subdue the suspect until officers arrived and took him into custody.

Griffith was booked on suspicion of first-degree murder.

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Help the family wrote on Jul 25, 2007 1:52 PM:Kmart has opened a fund to help the family. Please give what you can.

Hector wrote on Jul 26, 2007 6:21 PM:Hi Im A Loss Prevention Agent for a K-mart in Delano CA... I would like to say on the behalf of all the kmart agants we are sorry for the lose. And we are all trying to help raise money for David and his family.. We all know the risk and danger of this position. And every time I catch a shoplifter I say to myself.. This is for David.. Although i don't know him, He is in out thoughts and prayers.. Thanks

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