Man Offers To Pay For Shoplifter’s Stolen Items, So Thief Pulls An Axe And Starts Hacking

A shoplifter attacked somebody with an axe after the man offered to pay for the stolen items.

Shoplifter Axe Attack In West Hollywood

West Hollywood, CA – A good Samaritan saw somebody shoplifting items and assumed that they just needed some help in life. When the man offered to buy the suspect’s stolen items, he was brutally attacked with an axe.

The suspect has not been located, and West Hollywood Station officers are asking for the public’s help in finding him.

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 2, about 4:05 AM at a 7-Eleven located at 7950 Santa Monica Boulevard, according to CBS Local Los Angeles.  Police said that a suspect was inside the store stealing items when he was approached by a man who offered to pay for the items.

The suspect didn’t like the idea, refused the good Samaritan’s offer, and got into an argument with the man. The suspect left the store, waited for the man to come out, and then attacked him with an axe.

The good Samaritan was struck in the head several times during the attack, before the suspect fled north on Hayworth Avenue.

Deputies were called and responded to the scene.  They searched the area using K9s and helicopters, and used a “diversionary device” which is used to create loud sounds to distract a suspect.  Traffic was also stopped in the area, but deputies were unsuccessful in locating the suspect, according to WEHOVille.

The victim’s name was not released. He was transported to the hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.

The exact motive for the attack is not known at this time.

The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station has released a photo of the suspect.  They ask that anyone who has information call 911 or (310) 855-8850.  Deputies said that no one should approach the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.