The attack happened Friday around 6:20 p.m. at N&W Auto repair near Pico Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue.
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Police and family members say two men burst into the shop and attacked and robbed owner Walter Samson.
His throat was slashed and he was stabbed several times. He is now in critical condition in the hospital fighting to survive.
Friends and longtime customers are stunned, saying Samson is well-liked and known for helping those in need.
"I would hate to think that somebody would try to end somebody's life over a few dollars or a repair on the car, or something that didn't go right," said shop customer Jim Hutt.
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"It's just a tragedy that something would happen to somebody who's given back to the community for so long."
Detectives are releasing few details about the suspects or whether there is surveillance video related to the attack.
The attack remains under investigation.