Store owner dies trying to stop shoplifter

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http://www.king5.com/story/news/crime/2014/10/03/sedro-woolley-hit-and-run-robbery-suspect-sought/16665633/

A convenience store owner in the small Skagit County town of Sedro-Woolley died Thursday night after confronting a young man who police say was trying to steal some beer.

The young man is described as white, in his 20s, and wearing an Oakland Raiders baseball hat and a red shirt.

Police say he walked into James Market on West State Street around 9:30 p.m. Thursday and attempted to walk out with a case of beer without paying.

Police say the shopkeeper, who is an older Korean woman, and her nephew chased after the thief.

The suspect reportedly jumped into a waiting SUV and tried to leave, but during the altercation the driver ran the woman over. She died at the scene. The nephew was dragged by the car and suffered minor injuries.

Customers left cards and flowers outside the market all day Thursday. They described the owner as a kind, generous woman who would give neighborhood kids treats, and was always willing to help out someone in need.

"I've come in here before and forgot my wallet. She'd tell me to just take the food for free," said customer Matthew Shope. "I'd promise to come back and pay and she'd insist that I just take it. She helped a lot of people around here."

Police say there were a total of four people in the light colored SUV. All of them face very serious charges.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Sedro-Woolley Police Department at 360-428-3211.