Owner of The Little Store had his hands up when he was fatally shot, court records show
A young man and a 16-year-old boy have been charged with robbing two Tacoma convenience stores this week, including The Little Store where the owner was fatally shot.
Angel Anthony Mendez, 18, is accused of killing Seok Park, 60, and attempting to rob his store Tuesday. He is also accused of robbing an EZ Market in the 3400 block of Pacific Avenue on Wednesday. Mendez is charged with first-degree aggravated murder, first-degree murder, first-degree attempted robbery, first-degree robbery, two counts of first-degree assault and second-degree assault, according to charging documents.
Mendez is accused of shooting Park in the chest after trying to rob The Little Store in the 3500 block of South Ainsworth on Tuesday afternoon.
Court documents show that during the robbery, Park ran to the front counter from the back of the store, where he encountered a gunman. Surveillance video viewed by detectives showed Park had his hands up and started to go on his knees when “he reeled back and fell to the ground,” court records show.
He died at the scene.
Park, who went by Charlie, was a beloved member of the community. Many community members left flowers and candles outside the store the day after the homicide, according to a previous News Tribune story.
Mendez was arrested following the Wednesday robbery at the EZ Market. He is accused of robbing the store while armed. Court documents indicate he allegedly pointed a gun at one of the employees.
Officers called to the scene found the suspects and used a Taser on Mendez, court records show. They allegedly took his handgun and later discovered the ammunition was the same as the shell casings found at The Little Store.
A plea of not guilty was filed on Mendez’s behalf during his arraignment at Pierce County Superior Court on Friday afternoon. Prosecutors said they were not aware if Mendez had previous criminal history. A court commissioner set his bail at $7 million.
Juan Manuel Calvario, 16, is being charged as an adult for allegedly robbing the EZ Market with Mendez. He charged with first-degree robbery and two counts of first-degree assault.
It is unknown whether Calvario was involved in Park’s homicide, prosecutors wrote.
A plea of not guilty was filed on Calvario’s behalf. He is being held on a $750,000 bail at Remann Hall, the Pierce County juvenile detention center.
A GoFundMe was created to honor Park’s legacy and support his family with funeral costs and other expenses. Park was described as a pillar of his community, a devoted father and husband, an integral part and a cherished friend.
“The Little Store was more than just a convenience store; it was a hub of warmth and connection in our community. Charlie knew each neighbor by name, what they liked to buy, and always had a kind word or a listening ear,” the fundraiser said.
This story was originally published October 6, 2023 at 1:22 PM.
