Loved ones speak out after police say Las Vegas security officer shot, killed by man stealing groceries - MASHAHER

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – The family and friends of a security officer are speaking out after police said he was shot and killed on the job by a person stealing groceries.

Loved ones are still grieving the loss of Alexander Maceo-Sanabria after his sudden death.

“We want justice,” family friend Luby Grunden said in Spanish. “In the name of Alexander and his family.”

Las Vegas man stealing groceries shoots security guard: police

The 52-year-old security officer was working at Marketon at Decatur Boulevard and Washington Avenue on July 20 when Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said a man stealing groceries shot him in the head.

Maceo-Sanabria later died at the hospital on July 27.

“He was a person who didn’t bother anybody,” Grunden said about Sanabria in Spanish. “A person who worked so hard for his family.”

Miguel Narro, 36, was later arrested in connection with the case. He faces charges of attempted murder with a deadly weapon, robbery with a deadly weapon, battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a gun by a prohibited person, and discharging a firearm into an occupied structure.

Gruden, Maceo-Sanabria’s friend and coworker of 20 years spoke out Friday on behalf of his family.

“We need your help please,” she said. “For the family, for Alexander.”

Maceo-Sanabria’s family also released the following statement regarding his death:

“We are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community during this difficult time but heartbroken we report that our beloved Alexander Maceo-Sanabria succumbed after several days of fighting for his life when he was shot while performing his job as a security guard at Marketon supermarket in Las Vegas. Alexander gave the greatest gift of life by donating his organs to save other lives. Alexander was a compassionate, hardworking individual who put others first. He was also known for his kindness, his dedication to his job, and his unwavering commitment to keeping others safe. He loved his job and was the pillar of his family always. Today we remember him with much love and affection as we try to complete all the arrangements for him to rest in his final resting place as the Hero he is. The medical and funeral expenses increased drastically so we appeal to the collaboration of this beautiful community that Alexander served for many years. We still do not have details of the funeral due to the complexity of the case, we ask for understanding and comprehension especially since this case will go to court. With gratitude, we also have the support of the companies he worked for as they assured us they would match the donations made on GOFUNDME so all the more reason this gives us a boost as we mourn and say goodbye to our beloved Alexander.”

Grunden told 8 News Now his extended family is all in Cuba, so Maceo-Sanabria’s wife and children here in Las Vegas are scrambling to pay for his funeral.

“Today it could be us, tomorrow it could be somebody else,” she said. “Or it could happen to another family.”

She said she hopes her efforts will help others understand the true pain Alexander’s loved ones feel as they do their best to remember the happiness he brought to every life he touched.

“No one should have to go through this, especially Alex’s family,” she concluded. “No one can bring Alex back. Nothing can bring him back to life.”