LONG BEACH, Calif. – A Long Beach taco truck vendor bravely returns to work just days after a violent robbery left him injured. The incident, which occurred on May 2 near E. 7th Street and Junipero Avenue, marks the second robbery targeting the truck in less than six months.

Attack During Robbery

According to the Long Beach Police Department, Erick Flores, an employee at Los Bros Taco truck, was attacked when two suspects approached and ordered food. One assailant seized money from Flores as he was handing over change, leading to a physical assault that left him with a broken nose. Despite his efforts to retain the cash, the assailant persisted in assaulting Flores, causing him to fall and sustain further injuries.

Theft and Injury

In addition to the physical harm inflicted, the thieves also stole Flores’ cherished silver chain, a sentimental gift from his uncle. This attack resonates deeply for Flores, who expressed the emotional value of the stolen item, stating, That chain was given to me by my uncle like six, seven years ago, so it had some sentiment to it.

Previous Incident

This recent assault follows a previous robbery in December, where armed intruders entered the truck through the back door, assaulting an employee and demanding money. The recurrence of such violent incidents underscores the challenges faced by food truck operators in ensuring their safety and security.

Community Support

Despite the adversity, the community has rallied around Los Bros Taco truck, with residents like Jimmy Saxton showing solidarity and support. Saxton emphasized the importance of standing by hard-working individuals and their businesses, reflecting a collective desire to uplift those affected by such incidents.

Fundraising Efforts

In response to the attack, Los Tacos is organizing a fundraiser to assist with Erick Flores’ medical expenses. This initiative demonstrates the community’s commitment to aiding those impacted by such acts of violence and adversity.

Continued Police Investigation

While the perpetrators remain at large, law enforcement authorities continue their efforts to apprehend the suspects. Erick Flores expressed hope that the individuals responsible would choose a different path, focusing on constructive endeavors rather than causing harm to others.

Resilience and Gratitude

Despite the trauma of the robbery, Erick Flores maintains a resilient spirit, expressing gratitude for his safety and the opportunity to continue supporting his family through their business. Reflecting on the ordeal, he remarked, Some parts I feel angry, but other parts I feel grateful that I’m not dead.

Download The Local News App

For more updates on this ongoing investigation and to support local news coverage, download The Local News App to stay informed about developments in your community.

Source