Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Claims Life of Store Owner in South El Monte

On Wednesday afternoon, a very suspicious hit-and-run incident occurred at the Giant Discount Store in South El Monte, California. A local beloved business owner lost his life in this tragic incident. Councilman Kourosh “Steve” Yaghoubi found himself in the middle of a conflict with a suspect. The fight was over a $10 pack of surgical masks. Instead, according to police, the suspect allegedly left the store without paying and a fight ensued which turned violent in a blood-chilling way.

Lieutenant Michael Modica with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is not taking the situation lightly. Instead, as he urges, he calls for us to go deeper. He called it a “senseless act of violence” that has the community stunned. The crime spree FAQs The investigation is still active, and no arrests had been announced as of early Thursday morning, police said.

Witnesses reported disturbing details about the incident. One bystander, Jim, stated, “The body under the car was turning, all the way from the front tire to the back tire.” He expressed his disbelief over the violence that transpired, adding, “I don’t know why this happened. Honestly, I was there at the last minute of his life. I saw his face. I saw his eyes.”

The fight played out at the victim’s family-run business, near about 14 miles outside Los Angeles. Though authorities have not released the victim’s name, local news outlets quickly identified the victim as Yaghoubi. As this tragic event continues to unfold, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively pursuing leads and gathering evidence related to the case.

The community of South El Monte is mourning the loss of a local figure who contributed to the neighborhood through his business. For years, the Giant Discount Store has been an anchor of the business community. This event hits particularly acute for all of us who knew Yaghoubi.

Investigators are still working to put all the relevant facts together in this strange case. They appeal to anyone with information to do so. USA TODAY is reaching out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for clarification. They are still looking for additional public comments and news on the investigation.