In Los Angeles' Chinatown, an elderly store employee suffered a brutal attack yesterday. The horrifying incident took place at Angie's Boutique, a smokeshop that also sells other assorted items, located on the 800 block of North Broadway Street. The event was captured on security cameras, revealing the intensity of the assault on the elderly woman by the thief.
According to FOX LA, a man had "cased" Angie's Boutique earlier in the week before returning on Thursday to commit the robbery. The store's owner recounted how the man forced his way into the store, pushing down the elderly employee while grabbing items from the shelves and counter. The employee attempted to impede the thief by tugging on his shirt, only to be struck in the face by the assailant.
As reported by NBC Los Angeles, the employee, Van Huynh, has been with the store for over 20 years and is a well-respected and loved figure within the community. The brutal punch left Huynh's eye swollen shut.
The surveillance footage provided by KTLA reveals the man entering the store, swiftly grabbing items, and forcibly pushing and punching Huynh as she tried to subdue him. The terrifying shove knocked her to the ground, resulting in profuse bleeding.
Though only one man is visible in the surveillance video, another FOX LA report suggests that the Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating the involvement of a second individual in the crime. While the value of the stolen items is difficult to pinpoint, the store's owner estimates it to be around $5,000.
With the release of the security footage, the store's owner and authorities are hoping to quickly ascertain the identity of the culprit and bring them to justice, preventing further violence towards other innocent shopkeepers and community members.
