The Casias family.Photo: gofundme
A father of three was fatally shot while confronting a person allegedly trying to break into a car in his Covina, Calif., neighborhood Tuesday night, police said.
Joey Casias, 38, was killed after neighbors said they saw the man trying to break into the car. The man ran from the scene, but a group of people — including Casias — attempted to chase after him. At that point, the suspect allegedly opened fire and killed Casias before fleeing the scene.
Thompson was caught after a UPS driver recognized him from local news reports, which contained security images of the suspect fleeing the scene of Casias' death.
The Los Angeles Times, citing police, reports Thompson “initially refused to surrender to officers and fired a round inside the patio area. After nearly a four-hour standoff, Thompson climbed out of the patio, with a handgun, and attempted to flee on foot.”
He is being held on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and being a felon in possession of a weapon,theSan Gabriel Valley Tribunereports. L.A. County jail records do not show charges against him, and it was not clear whether he has retained an attorney. He is being held in on $2 million bond.
Casias' sister-in-law, Cecilia DeGraff, told theSan Gabriel Valley Tribunehe had worked for UPS for 19 years.
UPS confirmed his employment to theTribune, saying in a statement: “Those who knew Joey said he took great pride in his work, was an amazing husband and father, and was always willing to help anyone in need. Joey was held in high regard and will be greatly missed.”
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“He was the guy that would give his last dollar if you needed it. He was the guy that this world needs more of,” the GoFundMe page said. “Father of three. 5 if you include the pooches. And main provider of an incredible family/unit.”
KABC-7 reportedCasias was planning to take his kids to Disneyland for the holidays, with the group slated to leave Thursday, the day after he died.
His mother, Lydia, told NBC Los Angeles: “Joey Casias died trying to help somebody.”
source: people.com
