This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A taxi driver was beaten to death by a passenger in the parking lot of a gas station in Franklin Village early Sunday morning.
KTLA reports that an altercation between the driver and his passenger began inside the vehicle.
"The cab driver was struck several times," LAPD Lt. John Radtke told KTLA. "That fight lead into the gas station parking lot and then the victim fell down, and possibly hit his head."
When police arrived on the scene, the driver was suffering from head trauma, and taken to the hospital where he died shortly after.
The attack happened at the 76 gas station on the corner of Beachwood Drive and Franklin Avenue, on the strip of a the bustling neighborhood that includes Upright Citizen's Brigade and several restaurants, bars, and shops.
According to ABC-7, the passenger was "possibly armed," though police aren't sure yet with what, and was last seen fleeing the scene eastbound on Franklin Avenue. He has been described as a 35 to 40-year-old white or Middle Eastern man, and about 5 foot 8 inches tall.
