Zepp Crouchet, 42

Antioch, California
July 04, 2017

Agencies: Antioch Police Department California

Cause of death: Shooting

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Last updated: over 5 years ago

Overview

A man suspected of robbing and fatally shooting a gas station clerk died after being shot by an officer, authorities said Wednesday.

Authorities have identified the suspect as 42-year-old Zepp Crouchet of El Cerrito.

Law enforcement sources say he pistol-whipped, then shot and killed killed 57-year-old Mohammad Jawad Ataie, of Antioch, a clerk at the Valero gas station in the 1800 block of Hillcrest Avenue.

Ataie left behind his wife of 25 years and three children. His slaying has generated an outpouring of support from the community. A GoFundMe campaign created Tuesday to raise money for Ataie’s family had collected more than $30,000 by Wednesday afternoon.

Crouchet died sometime after being shot by an Antioch officer, who witnessed the robbery in progress. Police say Crouchet was struck in the torso, but was still able to run from the gas station and make it to his car.

He was found dead near his vehicle on Tuesday morning in the 100 block of West 20th Street. Police said they believe Crouchet drove away and stopped there for unknown reasons.

In 2004, Crouchet was charged with three counts of robbery, one count of burglary, and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. In 2006, he took a plea deal and was sentenced to six years in prison, with around two years credit for time served.

Authorities confirmed Crouchet was the only suspect in the robbery. The District Attorney continues to investigate the incident, per county protocol pertaining to officer-involved shootings and in-custody deaths.