13-year-old boy accused of killing store clerk with scooter, California police say

A 13-year-old boy is accused of killing a Los Angeles store clerk he hit in the head with a scooter, California police reported.

A police news release Thursday, Oct. 13, announced the arrest in the death of Steven Reyes, 68. Police are still seeking three other youths who were with the boy.

Reyes tried to help another clerk who had confronted the youths to accuse them of stealing from the Highland Park store at 7 p.m. Oct. 6, police said.

The 13-year-old hit him in the head with a scooter, police said. Reyes was taken to a hospital and died the next day.

His daughter, Nellie Reyes, said at a vigil that he had come to the United States from the Philippines seeking a better life, KABC reported.

“We all take care of our elderly,” she said. “That’s exactly what he was doing, he was taking care of his mom, you know? Trying to work another job that he can help around the house financially.”

Police ask anyone with information to call 213-996-4184 or leave an anonymous tip at 800-222-8477.

This story was originally published October 13, 2022 at 3:51 PM with the headline "13-year-old boy accused of killing store clerk with scooter, California police say."