The spree of violence occurred inside about 5 hours on Monday July 11 – or 7/11 – the day when the nationwide 7-Eleven model celebrates its anniversary.
That is its ninety fifth yr and, on Monday, outlets gave out free Slurpee drinks.
A lone gunman is being hunted in no less than three out of six pre-dawn robberies at six 7-Eleven outlets in Southern California that left two individuals lifeless and three damage, authorities stated.
It was not instantly clear to investigators what prompted the violence within the cities of Ontario, Upland, Riverside, Santa Ana, Brea and La Habra.
“I feel the one particular person to reply that might be the suspect,” stated officer Ryan Railsback, a spokesman for the Riverside Police Division.
However he stated the date was no accident.
“There’s no approach it may be a coincidence of it being 7-Eleven, July 11,” Mr Railsback stated.
7-Eleven issued an announcement saying it was gathering data and dealing with police.
“Our hearts are with the victims and their family members,” the assertion stated.
The primary theft occurred at about midnight in Ontario, about 35 miles east of Los Angeles.
The masked man brandished a handgun on the retailer’s worker and demanded cash, in line with Ontario Cpl Emily Hernandez.
He didn’t hearth and the employee was not injured.
It was not instantly clear to investigators what, if something, was stolen.
The second theft occurred about 45 minutes later in Upland, lower than 5 miles away from the Ontario store.
The suspect approached the store assistant with just a few gadgets – “some drinks and issues” – and brandished a semi-automatic handgun, Upland Sgt Jake Kirk stated.
