LA Rite Aid Worker Fatally Shot After Confronting Shoplifters

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 36-year-old Rite Aid worker was fatally struck by gunfire after confronting two shoplifters Thursday in Glassell Park, according to police and a union that represents store workers.

Authorities were searching for two suspects involved with the shooting on Saturday.

Police were called to a Rite Aid at 8:51 p.m. Thursday at 4044 Eagle Rock Boulevard, near Verdugo Road, where they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds, Officer William Cooper of the Los Angeles Police Department said.

The two suspects entered the Rite Aid and walked directly to the beer display and took a case of beer each. Employee Miguel Penaloza confronted the suspects as they attempted to leave the store without paying. A brief struggle occurred and one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and shot Penaloza, who died at the scene, police said.

The suspects, both 18 to 20 years old, fled through the parking lot in an unknown direction. One was described as 5-feet-6 inches tall and about 200 pounds, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black shorts, and black shoes with white trim. The second suspect was described as 5-feet-8 inches tall and about 145 pounds, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a large square print on the back, tan or grey pants, and black shoes.

A union that represents the store's employees, UFCW 770, criticized the store for not providing adequate security for workers.

"Yesterday, one of your fellow UFCW 770 members – whose name has yet to be released, was brutally murdered on the job," the union said in a statement. "He confronted a shoplifter at his Rite Aid store yesterday, where he was killed. We mourn his passing and keep his family and loved ones in our thoughts. But his death should not have happened."

Union members said they had previously highlighted safety issues at that particular Rite Aid location.

"No one should have to fear for their lives while they shop or work in a retail store," the union said.

LAPD Central Bureau homicide detectives urged anyone with information regarding the robbery to call them at 213-996-4180 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222- 8477.

City News Service contributed to this report.