Bookstore back in business for first time since March
By Sam Catanzaro
The Amazon bookstore in the Westfield Century City mall is reopening for the first time six months after a disgruntled employee reportedly pulled a gun on a coworker and attempted to set the building on fire.
On March 15, 25-year-old Nicholas K. Oates of Missouri allegedly tried to set the Amazon bookstore on fire where he worked. According to police, Oates began taking books off the shelves and lit them on fire. When one of his coworkers attempted to stop Oates, he pulled out a gun and aimed it at the employee.
Officers responded to the scene and evacuated the mall and began searching for a suspect. While proceeding with their search, officers were directed to a suspicious package located inside the Amazon Store, leading the entire mall to be evacuated. On March 16 Oates was arrested by LAPD officers near the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
For the reopening on Sunday, September 15 Amazon partnered with the producers of the Downton Abbey movie opening in theatres on September 20, to create a unique experience for customers and celebrate the reopening.