Tragically, a young Home Depot security guard lost his life this week while attempting to stop a robbery at the store where he worked. On Tuesday afternoon, 26-year-old Blake Mohs was on shift at a Home Depot in Pleasanton, California when he noticed a woman he believed was trying to steal a phone charger, an item worth less than $100. When he confronted her, a struggle ensued and he chased her out to the loading dock. There, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot at him before driving away. Mohs was taken to a hospital, but he did not survive his injuries.
Having had a passion for the Boy Scouts since age 14, Mohs was an Eagle Scout and a dedicated leader, and was about to marry his fiancée Kasey, whom he had met five years ago when they were both volunteering at a Scout camp. His parents, Eric and Lorie Mohs, spoke of their son’s commitment to the Scouts and his hopes for a future with Kasey.
The suspect, 32-year-old Benicia Knapps, was apprehended with her boyfriend, 31-year-old David Guillory, and her 2-year-old child in the backseat. Deputies later found a gun near the scene of the incident. Knapps, who is a licensed security guard with a history of theft, is facing charges of murder, robbery, child endangerment and conspiracy, while Guillory is being charged with child endangerment, evading police and driving the wrong way.
In response to the tragedy, Mayor Karla Brown of Tri-Valley, which includes Pleasanton, offered her condolences to Mohs’ family, friends and everyone affected by the incident. She emphasized his dedication to the Tri-Valley organizations and the heartbreak of his life being cut short.