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William Dion Carter, 38

William Dion Carter, a 38-year-old black man, was shot and killed Wednesday, June 25, in the 5300 block of West Century Boulevard in Westchester, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

About 12:15 p.m., Carter and another man walked into Nature’s Cure, a marijuana dispensary, and shot at a security guard in an attempt to commit a robbery, said Los Angeles Police Det. Scott Masterson.

The security guard fired back, striking Carter, who then fled west on West Century Boulevard and collapsed in front of the Westin Hotel. Carter was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:40 p.m., said Ed Winter, a spokesman with the coroner’s office.

The other man -- later identified by police as Jermal Akins, 31 -- ran east on West Century Boulevard, then returned to the scene to retrieve his car, Masterson said. Akins, who is black, was arrested on suspicion of murder June 26, Masterson said.

The security guard had minor injuries that did not require hospitalization, and no one else in the clinic was injured, Masterson said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the West Homicide Bureau at (213) 382-9470. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times staff

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