CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) - One man is dead after a fight erupted at a South Bay gas station Monday night.
Police said two men began arguing outside the AM/PM gas station at 765 E Street just after 8 p.m. Police responded to find one man unresponsive on the ground. The victim was taken to Scripps Hospital in Chula Vista, where he was pronounced dead.
Chula Vista police reviewed surveillance footage from the gas station, which showed the victim sitting on a curb asking customers for money at the gas station.
The suspect, later identified as 64-year-old Carl Keele, walked up and was confronted by the victim, according to police. The two men appeared to argue before the victim stood up and attempted to punch Keele.
The two began to throw punches and kicks at one another until the victim collapsed. Keele then walked off camera and left the scene, police said.
Police said the victim could be seen breathing while laying on the ground. Witnesses told police they thought the victim was joking around after he fell.
Police later located Keele and took him into custody. Keele told officers the victim asked him for $1 as he approached the AM/PM. He told him no and the victim called him a racial slur, according to Keele.
Keele said he told others not to give the victim money and the man became angry and started swinging at him. Police said Keele defended himself by throwing punches in return until the victim collapsed.
Police said based on witness statements and Keele's statement, they do not see any grounds to charge Keele.
The victim's name is not being released pending family notification.
CVPD is still investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 619-691-5151.
