Store manager killed trying to stop 7-Eleven robbery in Valley Village

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 7-Eleven store manager died and his wife was in critical condition after they were stabbed while trying to prevent a robbery at the convenience store in Valley Village Friday morning.

Around 9:15 a.m. a suspect walked into a 7-Eleven at Laurel Canyon and Chandler boulevards. Witnesses said the man wanted food.

"As I was in 7-Eleven, I heard the clerk say someone stole something. The clerk and the manager decide to run out and get the food. The person gave them a hard time - he wouldn't give it back - so he decided to stab the manager in the neck," Harris Berman said.

Berman said the woman was also punched and stabbed during the confrontation. He and other bystanders tried to help them.

He said he and another woman tried compressing the store manager's neck to stop the bleeding, but it didn't work.

The couple was taken to a nearby hospital, where the store manager succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities said the suspect allegedly stole a sandwich and a beverage, which were seen on the ground near the 7-Eleven.

Following information provided by witnesses, police spotted the suspect a few blocks away and arrested him.

The name of the suspect was not released. A knife was recovered at the scene, authorities said.

Longtime customers described both victims as very nice people.

"They're the best people in the whole world, and I just can't believe something like this would happen. I'm just devastated," Kelly Seidel said.