Tragedy struck La Puente last week when a gas station clerk, Miguel Cid, was shot at point-blank range during a robbery attempt that turned violent. The incident, captured on surveillance footage, unfolded at the ARCO gas station on Workman Mill Road on February 28th around 9:30 p.m., as reported by ABC7. The video shows the clerk raising his hands as a person dressed in all black demands money before inexplicably shooting Cid in the chest.
According to the footage seen by KTLA, who obtained information from the victim's family, Cid's quick response to the assailant's demands didn't prevent the shooter from firing. After being struck, Cid is observed clutching his chest, bleeding, while his brother, who was approaching the store, retreats upon witnessing the armed suspect.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department made an arrest later that night, although it remains unclear if charges have been formally filed at this time. The bullet that hit Cid caused damage to his lung but he is currently recovering, as noted on a GoFundMe page set up to assist with his medical bills. The fundraiser details were shared by KTLA.
In a recount of the harrowing ordeal, Richard Cid, the victim's brother, told FOX 11, "My brother had his hands up, and he was. He was walking towards the register, but I think the guy did get a little scared." He described the suspect's behavior as erratic, noting the robber left without taking any cash. "Why did he shoot?" Richard Cid pondered, emphasizing the senselessness of the violence. The family is requesting support through the GoFundMe campaign to cover expenses incurred due to the shooting.
While the officials have detained an alleged suspect, information has not been released about their identity.
