Police seek suspect after East LA gas station assault leaves worker in coma

A gas station clerk is in critical condition after allegedly being pushed during an attempted theft in broad daylight at a gas station in East Los Angeles, authorities said.

Surveillance video shows the clerk trying to stop a man from walking out of the store with stolen merchandise. The suspect then pushed the clerk so forcefully that he fell to the ground and struck his head on the concrete.

The store owner, who witnessed the incident from her car, said she rushed over immediately. 

The clerk was taken to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery after suffering a brain hemorrhage. He is now in a medically induced coma. 

The owner told NBC4 that the clerk had been a dedicated employee for 20 years.

“My prayers are with him, I’m hoping he is going to recover from this without any damage. I really hope all the best for him and his family. They are the best. Simple family, but he was able to support his family, he had a son that goes to Harvard,” the owner said.

Surveillance cameras captured the suspect taking what appears to be a drink and another item from the shelves before attempting to leave without paying.

The store owner said she does not recognize the suspect and does not believe he has been in the store before.

Anyone with information on the suspect is urged to contact the East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.