The January 19 shooting at the Stockton Flea Market that left two suspected robbers dead has been officially ruled a case of self-defense. Stockton police confirmed that the employees of the jewelry business involved will not face criminal charges after the son of the owner engaged the armed suspects to save his father’s life.
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STOCKTON, CA (2-minute read) — A violent encounter at the Stockton Flea Market earlier this month has concluded with a legal ruling of self-defense. Stockton police announced on Tuesday that the shooting on January 19, which resulted in the deaths of two men and the wounding of a woman, was a justified response to an attempted armed robbery. Investigators have determined that the employees involved, specifically the son of a long-time jewelry business owner, acted within the law to protect themselves and others.
Salvador Cervantes, the owner of the jewelry booth targeted in the attack, recounted the harrowing moments when he saw an individual walking toward him with a gun pointed. “I threw myself on the floor when I saw him,” Cervantes stated, describing how his son immediately engaged the suspects in an exchange of gunfire. According to police, both men killed in the incident were actively participating in the robbery attempt.
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A Legacy of Resilience and Protection
This incident carries a heavy weight for the Cervantes family, who have been victims of the same type of violence in the past. In 2012, Salvador’s father was tragically shot and killed while selling jewelry at the very same flea market. “My son is the one who saved my life for the second time,” Salvador said, expressing his gratitude for his son’s readiness and bravery.
The Stockton Police Department noted that while the primary ruling of self-defense has been made, the investigation remains ongoing. For many small business owners in Stockton, the case highlights the extreme risks of operating in high-value retail environments and the vital importance of being prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Safety Tip: For vendors in open-market environments like flea markets, jewelry is a high-risk commodity that requires a multi-layered security approach. Beyond having a defensive tool, consider installing shatter-resistant glass on display cases and using a “buddy system” where someone is always scanning the perimeter of the booth while another is assisting customers.
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