Wed. Aug 20th, 2025
Huntington Beach Police Department Press Release

he Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) is investigating a double attempted murder that occurred on the morning of Monday, August 18, 2025, at the California Closets warehouse located at 5921 Skylab Road.

At approximately 7:15 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found an adult male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers administered life-saving care, including tourniquets, before the victim was transported to a nearby trauma center by Huntington Beach Fire Department medics. He is expected to survive. A second male victim was unharmed.

The suspect was identified as Lucero San Pedro-Castro, 29, of Baldwin Park—an employee of California Closets. Both victims were also employees. San Pedro-Castro fled the scene in her vehicle before police arrived.

Later that day, a South Gate Police Department officer attempted a traffic stop on San Pedro-Castro. During the encounter, she pointed a firearm at the officer, resulting in an officer-involved shooting. San Pedro-Castro succumbed to her injuries.

HBPD’s Major Crimes Unit is leading the investigation. The firearm used in the shooting has not been recovered. No further details are being released at this time.

Anyone with information is urged to contact:

  • Detective Sergeant Anthony Pham at (714) 878-5640
  • To remain anonymous, call OC Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227)
  • For information related to the South Gate incident, contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500

For updates, visit www.hbpd.org.

In response to incidents like the recent workplace shooting at California Closets in Huntington Beach, California employers are now legally required to take proactive steps to prevent workplace violence. Under California Senate Bill 553 (SB 553), which went into effect on July 1, 2024, most employers must implement a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) 1 2 3.

Here are the key steps employers should take:

1. Develop a Written Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP)

This plan must include:

  • Procedures for identifying and evaluating workplace violence hazards.
  • Protocols for responding to threats or violent incidents.
  • A system for employees to report concerns confidentially.
  • Emergency response procedures.

2. Train Employees Regularly

Employers must provide annual training (or more frequently if needed) that covers:

  • How to recognize warning signs of potential violence.
  • How to report concerns safely.
  • What to do during a violent incident.

3. Conduct Regular Inspections and Hazard Corrections

Employers must:

  • Schedule periodic inspections of the workplace.
  • Correct any identified hazards that could contribute to violence.

4. Maintain a Violent Incident Log

All incidents of workplace violence—whether physical or verbal—must be documented in a violent incident log, which includes:

  • Date, time, and location.
  • Description of the incident.
  • Actions taken in response.

5. Involve Employees in Prevention Efforts

Employers must:

  • Include employees (and unions, if applicable) in the development and review of the WVPP.
  • Encourage feedback through surveys or meetings.

6. Keep Records

Employers must maintain:

  • Training records.
  • Incident reports.
  • Meeting notes related to workplace safety.

Additional Tools and Resources

Employers can enhance their WVPP with:

  • Anonymous reporting hotlines.
  • Engineering controls (e.g., secure entry systems).
  • Safety consultations and customized training materials.

By Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.