Good Samaritan killed trying to help robbery victim in Paramount

PARAMOUNT, Calif. (KABC) -- A Good Samaritan was killed while trying to help a store clerk during a robbery at a Paramount liquor store on Monday.

It was a beer run that turned fatal, according to detectives.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said it was called at about 4 p.m. regarding a robbery and shooting in the 8000 block of East Somerset Boulevard at the Tequila Ranch Liquor & Beer store.

"They went in and were grabbing articles throughout the store and they got to the door and they were confronted by an employee and a struggle ensued," said Lt. Dave Coleman with the sheriff's department.

During the struggle, a man attempted to help the employee, and that is when a third suspect who was parked outside fired shots, according to detectives.

"He left the vehicle, which was parked in the alley, entered the liquor store, produced a handgun and shot two victims," Coleman said.

The 24-year-old store clerk was shot several times and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

The 45-year-old man who came to his aid was shot once and died at the scene.

The three suspects are described as Hispanic men between the ages of 17 and 20. The alleged gunman was wearing a black hoodie, authorities said. There was no description on the second or third suspects.

Detectives said the trio entered and fled through a side door leading to the alley. There are at least 20 surveillance cameras, which detectives will review and have already interviewed several witnesses.

CORRECTION: It was earlier reported that the Good Samaritan was 46 years old, but he is 45 years old.