California Man Angry Over Declined Transaction Goes on Brutal Rampage, Shooting 2 Good Samaritans: Police

A California man upset over a declined transaction at a convenience store went on a rampage crime spree, which included a double shooting, robbery, assault and attempted carjackings, police said.

Demetrius Chafford, 21, of Fairfield, was out of jail on pretrial release over charges of evading an officer and weapons violations when the Pinole Police Department said he allegedly conducted a violent series of attacks that escalated after he was angered over a failed purchase at Chevron.

Chafford entered the store around 12:20 p.m. Wednesday and tried to buy an item but was declined, police said. He then allegedly argued with the clerk, walked around the counter and tried unsuccessfully to open the cash register.

When that didn't work, police said the suspect "ripped the register off the counter and the cables from the business telephone and exited the store."

The suspect then allegedly tried to carjack a vehicle but failed when the victim fled. 

Chafford moved next to a car parked at a gas pump, breaking the vehicle’s window and stealing a purse from the front seat, police said. The owner of the purse fought back, chasing and struggling with the suspect.

Two good Samaritans came to intervene and were shot. 

"The suspect then pulled out a firearm and fired multiple bullets at the good Samaritans. Both sustained gunshot wounds but were able to retreat," police said.

Police said Chafford then ran away on foot through a Jack in the Box parking lot and allegedly tossed the gun into some bushes. He allegedly tried to carjack two other vehicles before being taken into custody and booked at the Martinez Detention Facility.

He is charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, attempted robbery, attempted carjacking and carrying a concealed firearm. 

The good Samaritans suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and were treated and released at a hospital.

The investigation remains ongoing. Police ask anyone with information to contact Detective Dean at 510-724-1111.