Robbery suspect dies after being dragged under U-Haul van

A robbery suspect, who may have been run over by an accomplice, died after being dragged for more than two miles under a U-Haul van while fleeing the scene of an attempted robbery in Wilmington Saturday morning, police said.

Four suspects in the van, at least one armed with a handgun, attempted to rob a business in the 1600 block of Mauretania Street about 8 a.m., said Sgt. Randall Barr, of the Los Angeles Police Department. The business owner used his own gun to shoot at the robbers, he said.

As the suspects fled, one was running too close to the getaway van and was dragged under, according to police. A person following the van called 911 to report a man was being dragged by the vehicle.

The suspect was dragged about 2.2 miles, Sgt. N. Vargas said. He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

One of the suspects was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, police said. It was unclear if he had been shot.

Meanwhile, the other two suspects managed to get away and remain at large, police said.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact LAPD detectives at (310) 726-7884 or (310) 726-7889.

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