Store Owner Killed Stopping Shoplifters in South El Monte

Kourosh Yaghoubi, the owner of Giant Discount in South El Monte, was killed on Wednesday afternoon while attempting to stop shoplifters. The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. when Yaghoubi chased after the suspects who had stolen merchandise and was subsequently run over by their vehicle. Eyewitness accounts confirm that the attackers assaulted him before fleeing the scene. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is investigating the case, but no suspects have been identified yet. This tragic event follows another family loss, as Yaghoubi's brother was killed in Anaheim in 2021. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.