A Glendale Home Depot parking lot became the scene of a perplexing death on Friday morning when a man suspected of theft collapsed and later died after what was described by police as a medical emergency. According to FOX LA, the Glendale Police were dispatched to 5040 San Fernando Road shortly after 9:00 a.m., where they encountered 44-year-old Gabriel Hernandez Avila. Officers found him lifeless, having been removed from a vehicle by its driver and a good Samaritan due to his critical condition.
Avila was pronounced dead on the scene, and subsequent investigations revealed that he had participated in an alleged theft within the store before the medical emergency ensued. KTLA reports that a second suspect, the driver of what is believed to be a getaway vehicle, fled prior to police arrival and has not yet been found by authorities. At this juncture, foul play is not suspected by law enforcement officials.
The identity of the deceased was later confirmed by the Glendale Police, as stated in a piece by CBS News Los Angeles, along with details that Good Samaritans and the Glendale Fire Department crews responded to the incident. Despite the efforts of those at the scene and first responders, Avila's life could not be saved.
Investigative efforts continue as authorities work to piece together the events that led up to Avila's death. The nature of his medical emergency, along with cause of the death, remain under active investigation. Meanwhile, the search for the second individual involved in the incident persists, although police have yet to provide a description or indicate an active search for the driver. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to the Glendale Police Department at their direct line, 818-548-3987.
