Surveillance video shows suspects in 7-Eleven clerk stabbing

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities released surveillance video Wednesday of two suspects wanted for stabbing a clerk outside a 7-Eleven early Sunday at Base Line Road and Amethyst Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga. The stabbing happened early Sunday morning on the 9400 block of Base Line Road. Investigators say they are following several leads and are hoping the video will lead them to the suspects.

The video shows a 7-Eleven clerk stepping out on a break to call his family in Turkey and grab a cigarette. Suddenly two men show up, one on a bicycle, the other on foot.

Surveillance video then captures what happened next: One of the suspects lunges at the victim, stabbing him twice in the stomach.

"They did not go in the store, they did not look like they had any intentions on robbing the store. So we're just kind of taking it as an assault until we get further information," said Teresa McMahon, a spokesperson for the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department.

Investigators say it appears the victim, 45-year-old Tansel Kucukseyhan, did not know the suspects. But customers say he seems to know everyone.

"He had regulars all the time, they know him from his first name, they talk to him, they sit in the store, chat with him. I can't even imagine anyone doing that to him," said Rancho Cucamonga resident Christine Hill.

"I can't imagine somebody would want to stab him or hurt him in any kind of way," said customer Joe Vislay.

The victim dropped his cellphone and ran. The attacker picked up the phone and took it.

"Probably not the first phone they've ever stolen, and as well as it probably means that they turned it off for a while, get the heat off of it, and then at some point maybe they'll sell it," said McMahon.

Police are asking the public to take a close look at the suspects to notice the black plaid hoodie one is wearing, and the bright green backpack the other is carrying.

"They'll be caught 'cause a lot of people, they're watching out," said Christine Hill.

Kucukseyhan was hospitalized in critical condition Sunday, but he was recovering in a hospital in stable condition Wednesday.

Detectives are asking for assistance from the public to identify the suspects involved. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Rancho Cucamonga Police Detective Oros at (909) 477-2800, or make an anonymous call to We-Tip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Find the full surveillance video released by the sheriff's department on YouTube here: 7-11 Clerk Stabbed in Rancho Cucamonga