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Tragic Incident in South El Monte: Store Worker Killed After Confronting Shoplifters
A tragic event unfolded on Wednesday in the parking lot of a shopping center in South El Monte, resulting in the death of a 60-year-old man. Kourosh “Steve” Yaghoubi, who was assisting at his brother’s store, Giant Discount, became involved in a confrontation with shoplifters stealing disposable masks.
At approximately 12:20 p.m., the group entered the store and quickly left with the stolen items. Witnesses reported that Yaghoubi pursued the shoplifters as they fled the scene. In a violent turn of events, the suspects reportedly assaulted him, striking him on the head and causing him to fall to the ground. The vehicle used by the suspects then ran over him while he was incapacitated in the parking lot, according to Yaghoubi’s family.
Emergency personnel pronounced Yaghoubi dead at the location of the incident.
The investigation into Yaghoubi’s death is being conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which has confirmed that the case is linked to the shoplifting episode, although the nature of the investigation has not yet been classified as a homicide case.
On the evening of the incident, detectives conducted a thorough canvassing of the surrounding area, engaging with residents in hopes of gathering more information that could aid in the investigation. “A lot of the deputies you see in plainclothes are with our video canvas team, and they are working diligently to find leads right now,” stated lead detective Lt. Michael Modica.
John Yaghoubi, the victim’s brother, remained at the scene throughout the day, visibly shaken by the recent loss. “I don’t know what to do anymore,” he expressed, recounting the family’s painful history with loss. “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.”
As the investigation progresses, officials have not disclosed any information regarding the suspects or their vehicle. Authorities are urging anyone who may have information about the incident to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted online or by calling 800-222-8477.
This article has been updated to correct the information regarding the victim’s relationship to the store; he is the brother of the owner, not the owner himself.
Source
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