Taco Bell Employee Shot, Killed By Customer Attempting To Buy Food With Counterfeit Money

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SOUTH LA (CBSLA) — A fast food employee was shot and killed in South Los Angeles on the job.

The incident unfolded just before 11 p.m. Saturday night at the Taco Bell on Avalon and Century Boulevards, when an employee denied the suspect who attempted to purchase food at the drive-thru with counterfeit currency.

When that individual was refused service, the suspect opened fire at the employees in the restaurant multiple times, killing one. Another worker was possibly injured.

The victim who died, Alejandro Garcia, was 41-years-old. He was reportedly working with his 19-year-old son at the time. The son is the one who denied the counterfeit money.

The suspect drove away in an unknown vehicle, and authorities are currently seeking additional information.

Residents in the surrounding area could hear the shots, and after learning about what occurred, they’re upset. Breanna Leonard and Quinita Adams, who both live in the neighborhood expressed their concerns for safety. “I can’t believe it, that’s scary,” Adams told CBS reporters. She detailed how her kids were sleeping at the time, but the noise woke their whole household up. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s very sad, I can’t believe that happened. I pray for the family of that person that lost his life.”

“It’s not safe no where, no more,” Leonard followed up. “That’s somebody’s child. It’s over food… oh my gosh. I just don’t know,” she said, “There’s no point in taking somebody’s life, over a fake $100 bill.”

“I hope they find whoever did that; whoever got shot did not deserve that,” Leonard said, “They did not deserve that. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for the family.”

As the investigation continues, detectives are working on limited information. However, security cameras at the Taco Bell location should provide some footage, at least of the vehicle involved.

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