Authorities announced Friday that they have arrested two suspects in a series of deadly robberies at 7-Eleven stores in southern California. The crime occurred in various California counties over 5 hours.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced the arrests of Malik Donyae Patt, 20, and Jason Lamont Payne, 44, at a press conference Friday.
The alleged attacks took place on July 11, the convenience store chain’s anniversary. Seven 9/11 stores were attacked in Orange County, California, killing three and injuring three.
Booking photos of Malik Patt, 20, and Jason Payne, 44. (Santa Ana Police Department)
“We are grateful that the Orange County District Attorney has announced that local law enforcement has arrested suspects related to the recent violent incidents,” 7-Eleven said in a statement.
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The attacks prompted the company to urge its stores to close as a safety precaution. A surveillance image of one of the men, which showed the suspect’s face partially covered by a mask, was widely shared.
7-Eleven also offered $100,000 for anyone with information about the attacks that led to an arrest.
Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton says a fatal shooting that occurred on July 9 was connected to the string of attacks at 7-Eleven stores two days later.
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Police said Malik Patt is believed to be the suspect seen in surveillance images from the various stores. he is also believed to be the shooter.
“It was a reign of terror, to think you’re going to a convenience store, a donut shop, a sandwich shop and you get shot in the face. Call your loved ones with your last breath. Or being an employee behind the cash register just helping another customer because you work and you’re trying to get back on your feet because you went through the school of hard knocks, you were an addict and you work at a 7-Eleven because they gave you a chance to resurrect your life and then someone comes in and pretends to have a deal and shoots you and kills you,” Spitzer said.
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The two suspects are expected to be charged on Monday. Both were booked into the Santa Ana Police Department.
Sarah Rumpf is a digital production assistant at Fox News. You can reach her on Twitter at @rumpfsarahc
