A Highland Park liquor store worker was killed after being attacked with a scooter during a robbery committed by teenagers, the LAPD says

HIGHLAND PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — An employee at a liquor store in Highland Park was hit in the head by a scooter and later died after trying to stop a group of teenagers from stealing beer, police said.

Los Angeles Police Department says officers were responding to an attack that took place just before 7 p.m. Thursday at Tony’s Market near the intersection of Figueroa Street and 40 E. Avenue.

The victim, identified as 69-year-old Steven Reyes, tried to stop four teenagers from stealing a store and taking a case of beer. The LAPD said Reyes was running after the group when one of the suspects grabbed a scooter and hit him in the head.

Reyes was hospitalized and later died.

Nelle Reyes, the victim’s daughter, said her father came to the United States from the Philippines for a better life. She said what her father did reflected what he was: a hard worker who always wanted to do what was right.

A GoFundMe page was started to help the victim’s family.

“It was here in LA that he met his wife and started a family. He’s a son, a father, a brother, a good friend and a hard worker,” reads the GoFundMe page. “Steven had a loving heart and cared for everyone and always made sure his family was safe.”

The LAPD is looking for the four suspects.

Reyes’ death is similar to another tragedy that took place in the Los Angeles area in the past week.

On Saturday, a man who owns a wig shop in the fashion district stalked teenagers trying to steal his merchandise. He was stabbed and killed. These suspects were caught.