A man who was trying to detain a shoplifter at a South El Monte strip mall parking lot was killed Wednesday and a search was continuing for the suspect.
Homicide detectives were dispatched around 12:20 p.m. to the 2000 block of Durfee Avenue regarding a person who had died while trying to halt a shoplifter, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
No other details were immediately released. KTLA5 reported from the scene that the victim was a business owner who was attempting to stop a shoplifter, but was run over by the suspect, who fled the scene.
There was no description of a suspect immediately available.
Anyone with additional information regarding the case was urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.