A 16-year-old boy has been arrested for allegedly running over and killing a man who tried to stop shoplifters at a store in South El Monte, California. This tragic incident occurred on April 9 when Kourosh “Steve” Yaghoubi, 60, confronted a group of shoplifters at his brother’s family-owned Giant Discount Store.
Yaghoubi was attempting to intervene as the thieves fled the scene after stealing a $10 box of masks. Witnesses say that during the confrontation, one of the shoplifters punched Yaghoubi before the driver of the getaway vehicle ran him over. When authorities arrived, Yaghoubi was found unconscious and suffering from severe injuries. He later died from blunt force trauma.
The police investigation led them to the vehicle used in the incident, which helped them identify the suspect. Due to his age, the teen’s name has not been released.
Yaghoubi’s brother, Jim Yaghoubi, expressed his devastation over the loss, recounting the moments he witnessed his brother’s final moments. He shared his confusion over why such a violent act occurred over a minor theft.
Detectives are still working to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers.
This incident highlights the risks that store employees face when confronting shoplifters and raises questions about safety and the consequences of theft in local communities.