A Taco Bell employee was shot and killed in front of her son by a customer attempting to buy food with counterfeit money. The shooting is the latest sign that despite recent crackdowns, people will continue to use fake bills as payment.
A Taco Bell employee was shot and killed in the middle of a robbery attempt on Thursday afternoon, leaving his young son to grieve over their mother’s brutal death. The customer had attempted to pay for food with counterfeit money when he made off with an unknown amount of cash from the register at the same time.
SOUTH LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – In South Los Angeles, a fast-food employee was shot and murdered on the job, in front of his son, who was also working that night.
An employee at the Taco Bell on Avalon and Century Boulevards refused the suspect who tried to buy food at the drive-thru with counterfeit cash shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday night.
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When that person was denied service, the suspect opened fire on the restaurant staff numerous times, killing one of them. Another employee may have been hurt.
Garcia, Alejandro. (Image courtesy of Garcia Family)
Alejandro Garcia, the person who died, was 41 years old. At the time, he was apparently working alongside his 19-year-old son on his weekly extra-Saturday job, which he undertook in order to better support his family. The bogus money was originally rejected by the son.
As the first inquiry was underway, onlookers could see Garcia’s son outside the restaurant, looking disturbed, and properly so.
“It’s quite difficult for him.” “I can’t image witnessing your father killed right in front of your eyes and being unable to stop it,” Karina Garcia, the victim’s cousin, said. She went on to say that Alejandro was a kind, hardworking, and giving guy.
“One of the bullets hit his father square in the face. He was on the opposite side of the fence. “He realized he was dead as soon as he reached over and attempted to rescue him, touch him, and he was gone,” Garcia told CBS on Sunday evening.
Authorities are presently looking for further information on the suspect, who fled in an unknown car.
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Residents in the neighbourhood could hear the bullets, and they’re angry now that they know what happened. Breanna Leonard and Quinita Adams, both residents of the area, voiced their fears for their safety. Adams told CBS reporters, “I can’t believe that, that’s terrifying.” She described how her children were asleep at the time, but the loudness woke up the whole family. “It’s a horrible situation.” That’s heartbreaking, and I can’t believe it occurred. I’m praying for the family of the individual who died.”
“Nowhere is safe any more,” Leonard said. “That’s the kid of someone.” Oh my my, it’s about food. “I really don’t know,” she added. “There’s no purpose in killing someone over a forged $100 note.”
“I hope they discover whomever did it; whoever was shot did not deserve it,” Leonard remarked. Please accept my heartfelt apologies. I’m sorry for the family’s situation.”
Detectives are working with minimal information as the investigation continues. Security cameras at the Taco Bell should, at the very least, capture video of the car involved.
On Sunday afternoon, Taco Bell Corporation published a statement in reaction to the incident:
“We are both astonished and disappointed to learn about this. In this terrible time, our heartfelt condolences go out to the team member’s family and friends. The owner and operator of this business, we believe, is cooperating with local authorities in their inquiry and has reached out to the impacted family personally to provide help.”
The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting anybody with information to contact them as soon as possible.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, both detectives and the Garcia family are looking for answers. “I just can’t believe that people don’t have any compassion… to do something like that,” Garcia’s cousin stated, “his kid is just so sad right now.” He was simply such a kind guy.”
As of Monday afternoon, no suspect information or security footage from the incident had been provided.
Betty White died six days after suffering a stroke, according to her death certificate.
Garcia is survived by his three children: a 19-year-old son, a 16-year-old son, and a 3-year-old daughter. On Tuesday night, there will be a candlelight vigil.