Police are continuing their search Thursday for the suspects who fatally struck and ran over a man in a South El Monte strip mall parking lot who had earlier attempted to detain a suspected shoplifter.
Kourosh “Steve” Yaghoubi was visiting his brother’s business in the 2000 block of Durfee Avenue, near Rush Street, Wednesday when a suspect entered the Giant Discount Store and tried to steal face masks from the store, NBC 4 reported.
Yaghoubi chased the suspect into the parking lot, where a fight occurred. During the fight, a second suspect exited a dark colored sedan and also fought with Yaghoubi, according to the Sheriff’s Information Bureau.
Moments later, at 12:18 p.m. Wednesday, the suspects entered the sedan and intentionally struck Yaghoubi with the sedan multiple times before driving away, authorities said.
“He didn’t deserve to die like this,” said John Yaghoubi, one of the victim’s brothers.
“This is obviously a very senseless act of violence,” sheriff’s homicide Lt. Michael Modica told NBC 4.
Yaghoubi was pronounced dead at the scene.
A makeshift memorial was created in the parking lot overnight in Yaghoubi’s honor.
No arrests have been made and there are no suspect descriptions.
Anyone with additional information regarding this shooting was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.