The FBI was searching for an “armed and dangerous” man suspected in a Tacoma, Washington, homicide who may have fled to the L.A. area, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Robert Deshawn Grott, 29, was being sought on an arrest warrant for murder, as well as a federal arrest warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, sheriff’s officials said in a news release on Thursday.
Grott is suspected in a homicide that occurred at an Arco gas station on Feb. 1, and was witnessed by dozens of people, according to Tacoma-based newspaper The News Tribune.
He allegedly fired 46 rounds into a Chevrolet Impala sedan in broad daylight, hitting the victim, 23-year-old Julian “Jay” Thomas, about 10 times, police told the paper. A weapon has not been recovered.
Grott and Thomas had argued roughly five months before the fatal shooting about a missing handgun, The News Tribune reported, citing charging documents.
Two days after the incident, 22-year-old Rashaad Dominique Grott — who was accused of driving his older brother out of state — surrendered to authorities at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station. The younger Grott allegedly admitted that he and his brother drove down to the area from Washington state.
The FBI confirmed Robert Grott spent the night at a downtown L.A.-area hotel on Feb. 2, according to the release.
Grott was considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached, the Sheriff’s Department said.
Anyone who sees him or has information about the case should dial 911 or contact their local law enforcement agency.