07.11.2022 | 2:00 PM | ORANGE COUNTY — A gunman is being sought in connection with a series of violent robberies at several 7-Eleven convenience stores left two people dead and several others injured across southern California, early Monday morning.
The first 7-Eleven robbery was reported in the 5200 block of La Sierra Avenue in Riverside around 1:50 AM when a customer inside the store was shot by an armed robbery suspect. The suspect fled the location prior to the arrival of first responders who later transported the shooting victim to an area hospital where he was described as being in “grave condition.”
The second shooting occurred in the parking lot of another 7-Eleven convenience store in the 300 block of East 17th Street in Santa Ana where a man, later identified as 24-year-old Matthew Rule, of Santa Ana, was found shot to death around 3:23 AM.
Less than an hour later, around 4:18 AM, a male clerk, later identified as 40-year-old Matthew Hirsch, of La Habra, was found shot to death inside another 7-Eleven in the 100 block of West Lambert Road in Brea.
Minutes later, around 4:55 AM, two other victims were found shot by officers responding to reports of a robbery at a 7-Eleven in the 300 block of East Whittier Boulevard in La Habra. Both victims were transported to area hospitals where they were described as being in “stable” condition.
In total two people were killed and three others injured in the shootings that all took place on National 7/11 Day, an annual event where customers receive a free Slurpee drink 7-Eleven convenience stores.
Although the rash of violent robberies are believed to be related to one another, details regarding each incident remain murky.
Police have released images depicting at least one suspect being sought in connection with the incidents in Brea and La Habra.
Additional reports suggest at least two others robberies at 7-Eleven stores in Upland and Ontario may be connected, although authorities are still working to confirm the incidents are connected.
Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to contact authorities. A centralized hotline has not been established but anyone with information regarding the Brea incident can contact Detective Alfred Rodriguez at 714-671-4438 or alfredr@cityofbrea.net.
Information regarding the La Habra incident can contact on-duty watch commander at (562) 383-4300 while details relating to the Santa Ana homicide can be shared with homicide detectives at (714) 245-8390.
Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Orange County Crime Stoppers by calling (855) TIP-OCCS or by visiting their website at www.occrimestoppers.org.