A man was killed Wednesday after he confronted a group of shoplifters in the parking lot of a South El Monte shopping center.
Around 12:20 p.m., Kourosh “Steve” Yaghoubi, 60, was helping at his brother’s shop, Giant Discount on the 2000 block of Durfee Avenue, when a group of people entered the store and stole a box of disposable masks.
Yaghoubi chased after the shoplifters, who, according to witnesses, attacked him, hitting him in the head and knocking him to the ground. The suspects’ getaway vehicle then ran over him as he lie defenseless in the middle of the parking lot, the victim’s family said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the death, and have confirmed that it’s related to a shoplifting incident. Officials have yet to declare it a homicide investigation.
On Wednesday evening, detectives canvassed the area on foot and knocked on doors in search of any leads that could help in their investigation.
“A lot of the deputies you see in the plainclothes are with our video canvas team, and they are working diligently to find leads right now,” lead detective Lt. Michael Modica told KTLA’s Rick Chambers.
Yaghoubi’s brother John was at the scene throughout the day, and says his family is unfortunately familiar with tragedy.
“I don’t know what to do anymore,” John Yaghoubi said. “I lost my older brother four years ago, and my mom is 94 years old. She’s still in mourning for the first one. I don’t know how I’m going to tell her.”
Detectives remained at the scene late into the evening as their investigation continued. So far, no descriptions of the suspects or their vehicle have been provided.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477.
This story has been updated to reflect that the victim is not the store owner, but rather the brother of the store owner.
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