Ex-Employee Sought in Fatal Rampage

A former employee of a Torrance watch repair store shot and killed one man at the store Tuesday and kidnapped a family at gunpoint, fleeing in their sport utility vehicle, authorities said.

Arnoldo Castellon Plascencia, 34, entered the Timex sales and service center at 3131 Artesia Blvd. about 4:20 p.m. and shot two employees, one of whom died at the scene, Torrance Sgt. Kevin Kreager said.

The other employee was rushed to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery.

Plascencia fled the center in his own vehicle and drove to Gardena, where he was involved in a minor traffic accident with a woman.

“The suspect shot at her and missed, breaking the windshield of her car,” Kreager said.

He then drove around the corner and accosted a family of three as they were getting into their 1999 black Ford Explorer.

“He carjacked them at gunpoint and kidnapped them,” Kreager said. “Then he drove several blocks and released them unharmed, then took off in their vehicle.” The license plate is California 4FGB710.

“This suspect is armed and dangerous,” Kreager said. “We want him in custody before he kills or injures someone else.”

“The motive is not clear,” he added. “It could be a personal business dispute, but we’re just not sure at this time.”