Covina Police Looking For Man Who Stabbed Gas Station Clerk

COVINA (CBSLA.com) – Covina police hope security video will help them identify and catch the man who stabbed a clerk at a gas station Monday.

The crime happened at the 76 gas station at Barranca Avenue and East Rowland Street about 5 p.m.

Police said a man wearing gloves and a skull cap charged at Jamal Hassabala, 65, behind the counter.

Security video showed the suspect stabbing Hassabala multiple times in the left shoulder and the victim fighting off the suspect.

The attacker then ran to his parked SUV and took off.

"It's just unbelievable what happened," store manager Ranim Ishak said.

Investigators believe the victim was apparently targeted because the attacker never demanded money.

"The cash register was open. He didn't even take anything," Ishak said.

About 10 minutes before the stabbing, security video showed the suspect parking his vehicle and waiting.  At one point, a woman was seen getting out of the passenger side.

When a customer in a red top walked into the store, the suspect followed her inside. With a knife in hand, he ran behind the counter and attacked the clerk.

Ishak said Hassabala is a quiet man who has worked for the company for six years to support his family. He has no known enemies.

"He's a very peaceful man. He never have any issue with anybody," Ishak said.

Anyone with information on the stabbing or the attacker is asked to call the Covina Police Department.