Shoplifter in getaway car kills Sedro-Woolley store clerk, injures another
SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. -- Police are on the hunt for beer thieves who hit and killed a popular store clerk with their getaway car.
Investigators have just released surveillance video from inside the James Market in Sedro-Woolley.
Cops say the thief is probably in his late teens. He ran out of the store with two cases of beer. And what could have ended as a simple shoplifting case is now being investigated as a robbery and homicide.
“People are shocked by it,” said Katie Brogna who frequents the store. “Why do bad things happen to nice people?”
All day Friday, neighbors dropped off flowers and cards – struggling to understand the senseless death of a much-loved clerk.
“I can’t believe somebody would do something like that to that sweet gal,” said T. J. Lee.
Neighbors say the woman killed is Sophia Pak.
Police released surveillance video that shows Sophia and her nephew keeping a close watch on a man wearing a red T-shirt and Raiders cap.
Cameras caught him pulling out two cases of beer, then slowly strolling out of the store before Sophia and her nephew ran after him.
“Shame on you,” said Brogna. “For what beer, cigarettes, or whatever it is it’s just not worth it for the pain you cause other people.”
Police said the suspect jumped into the back seat of a 4-door light-colored SUV. They said the driver wore a gray zip-up hooded sweatshirt and his front-seat passenger is a woman.
Cops said shoplifters have hit this store multiple times – once where another car struck Sophia as she gave chase.
Neighbors hope someone will come forward and identify the suspect.
“You’re pretty pathetic man, you know, for you to do something like that to a teeny little girl,” said Lee.
Police are combing through surveillance video from nearby homes and businesses trying to catch a glimpse of the getaway car.
Neighbors with tips in this case are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.