A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of Kourosh “Steve” Yaghoubi, a 60-year-old man who was trying to stop shoplifters outside a store in South El Monte. This incident occurred on April 9, when Yaghoubi confronted a group of shoplifters at his brother’s Giant Discount Store.
According to police, the teenager allegedly ran over Yaghoubi while fleeing the scene with others involved in the theft. Authorities reported that Yaghoubi was found unconscious and suffering from severe injuries when emergency services arrived. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives managed to locate the vehicle used in the getaway, which led them to the suspect. Due to his age, the police have not released the teenager’s name. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to identify other individuals who were in the vehicle during the incident.
Yaghoubi’s brother, Jim Yaghoubi, shared that his brother was simply trying to protect his family’s store when he was attacked. He described a physical altercation that took place outside the store, where one of the shoplifters punched Kourosh before the driver ran him over. Jim expressed his shock and sorrow, recalling the last moments he spent with his brother.
This incident raises concerns about the safety of store employees and the risks they face when confronting shoplifters. The community is left mourning the loss of a man who was trying to do the right thing. Police are urging anyone with more information about the case to come forward.