Suspect in East Bay robbery dies following fatal robbery at gas station
ANTIOCH (KTVU) -- The man accused of fatally shooting an East Bay gas station worker Monday night died Tuesday, several hours after the suspect was shot and killed by a responding police officer.
Mohammed Ataie, 57, of Antioch, died Monday after he was shot while working behind the counter at the Valero gas station in Antioch, located at the corner of Hillcrest Avenue and East 18th Street, authorities said.
"I don't believe he's gone," said his wife, Sarah Ataie, through a translator on Tuesday. She said the couple had been married for 25 years and have three children. Two of their children are in college and Mohammed Ataie worked nine-hour days to support his family.
Police have not publicly identified the suspected gunman. But a source told KTVU that a police officer shot the suspect as he fled from the scene. The suspect was pronounced dead Tuesday. But police have not said where the suspect died or if he provided any information before his death.
Investigators said a man walked into the gas station around 8:30 p.m. Monday and asked for cigarettes before brandishing a semi-automatic pistol. The two men struggled over the weapon before the Ataie was pistol whipped and shot in the back.
His relatives said they are devastated by his death.
He didn't deserve this," said his daughter, Afghani. "He didn't."
A GoFundMe has been started to help the family with burial expenses. >>>>>For more information: Click here
The case is currently under investigation by Antioch police and the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office.
Anyone with information is asked to call Antioch police at (925) 778-2441 or send a text to 274637 using the keyword ANTIOCH.
By KTVU reporter Henry Lee. Bay City News contributed to this report.