An Oregon man is facing multiple first degree felony charges after an attempted jewelry store robbery in Murray ended with him being shot by an armed employee. Investigators say the suspect and an unidentified accomplice tried to restrain workers before the assistant manager used his concealed firearm to defend himself and others.
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MURRAY, UT (3 minute read) — Murray police have filed criminal charges against a 22 year old Oregon resident who investigators say took part in a robbery attempt that quickly escalated into violence inside a local jewelry store. Prosecutors charged Beyker Villegas of Redmond with two counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of aggravated kidnapping, all first degree felonies.
The incident occurred on November 25 at Sierra West Jewelers on South State Street. According to charging documents, two men entered the store wearing wigs, fake facial hair and matching plaid pants. As the assistant manager greeted them, Villegas reportedly pulled out a firearm and forced him toward the center of the store. The employees later told officers they struggled to understand the suspects because they shouted commands in Spanish.
Investigators say the suspects then attempted to restrain a female employee with duct tape. At that moment, the assistant manager drew his concealed firearm and fired a round into the floor in an effort to stop the assault. The two men immediately tried to grab his firearm, sparking a close quarter struggle that placed everyone in the store at extreme risk.
The assistant manager fired a second round toward Villegas, causing both suspects to bolt toward the exit. As they fled, the concealed carrier struck Villegas several times in the head with his firearm while trying to prevent their escape. The suspects reached their vehicle and reversed quickly, dragging the assistant manager a short distance before speeding away.
A short time later, an unidentified person dropped off Villegas at an urgent care clinic in Sandy with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Staff alerted police who then transferred him to Intermountain Medical Center in Murray for additional treatment. After being released from the hospital, he was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail.
Authorities say they are still working to identify the second man involved. Prosecutors note that Villegas is a Venezuelan citizen with a federal detainer, and they are asking that he remain jailed without the possibility of bail due to concerns he could be transferred or deported before trial.
Self Defense Insight
While the assistant manager acted bravely under extreme pressure, situations like this also serve as important reminders about best practices in self defense. Chasing fleeing suspects increases the risk of serious injury, as seen when the manager was dragged by the vehicle, and it can also complicate legal considerations after the fact. Likewise, firing warning shots is strongly discouraged because rounds that are not aimed at a confirmed threat can endanger bystanders and may escalate the encounter rather than end it. In many cases, maintaining a defensible position, calling police and avoiding physical pursuit provides a safer outcome for both the defender and the public.
Safety Tip: Train regularly in firearm retention skills. Many defensive shootings happen at arm’s length, and knowing how to control your firearm during a struggle is just as important as marksmanship.
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