Seok Chul “Charlie” Park, a Korean American who had been running a convenience store in Tacoma, Washington, for many years, was tragically killed by an armed robber who broke into his store.
On October 3, just after 1 p.m., the police department received a dispatch call regarding a possible shooting in the 3500 block of South Ainsworth Avenue in Tacoma. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man with gunshot wounds.
Reports indicate that Park was fatally shot while trying to prevent a robber from breaking into his store. Tacoma Fire Department paramedics promptly responded and attempted to resuscitate the victim. However, he was already dead due to his injuries on the scene prior to the police’s arrival.
As stated by a GoFundMe page set up by Charlie Park’s daughter, Su Min Park, and as reported by KOMO News in Seattle, the late Park was 60 years old, survived by his wife, Rana, and their three children. Charlie and Rana had been running the business since they moved to Washington state from South Korea 16 years ago.
The community has been deeply saddened by this loss. Friends and neighbors have described the deceased Korean American business owner as a dedicated husband, devoted husband, a loving father, a cherished friend, and an integral part of the neighborhood. A memorial was established outside Park’s convenience store on October 4, where locals brought flowers and candles, expressing their condolences.
As per the latest update from Fox 13 News, “Tacoma Police have said they lack a suspect description, complicating efforts to identify the individual behind the crime. Investigators are appealing to residents to review any security camera footage from around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, hoping for clues that might aid their probe.”
For those wishing to support Charlie Park’s family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been set up.
(https://www.gofundme.com/f/charlies-legacy-lives-on)
BY JUNHAN PARK [park.junhan@koreadaily.com]
