Wash. slaying suspect fled to L. A., FBI warns
He’s accused of unleashing a fusillade of deadly gunfire at a Tacoma, Wash., convenience store and then f leeing the scene on a skateboard.
Now, federal authorities say Robert Deshawn Grott, 29, has escaped to Los Angeles and residents should be cautious. The FBI said Grott spent Tuesday night at a hotel in downtown L. A. Robert Grott should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached,” the FBI said. “The gun used in the homicide has not been recovered.”
Grott is accused of killing Julian Thomas, 23, on Monday. Authorities say 46 rounds were f ired into and around the victim’s car at an AM/ PM convenience store. Thomas was struck more than 10 times, according to Pierce County prosecutors.
Authorities believe the shooter reloaded twice before rolling away on a skateboard, followed by two bystanders. Grott is wanted on suspicion of murder and f leeing to avoid prosecution.
Grott’s mother, who lives in California, told Tacoma police she was aware her son was wanted in connection with the slaying, prosecutors said. She reportedly told authorities that her son was probably headed to California with a younger brother who has a car.
On Thursday, the sus- pect’s brother — Rashaad Dominique Grott, 22 — turned himself in to deputies in West Hollywood, the Los Angeles County Sheriff ’s Department said. He told authorities that he had driven his brother to Los Angeles from Tacoma, sheriff ’s off icials said. He is being charged with helping his brother f lee the state.
The mother reviewed surveillance footage and identified the shooter as her son, authorities said. She told investigators that she and her son were involved in a dispute over a missing or stolen handgun several months ago.
Police searched Robert Grott’s home and found a case for a Glock 9- millimeter pistol with casings similar to those found at the shooting, prosecutors said.