AAA Driver Stabbed to Death in Pico Rivera Was “Loving Family Man”

A 39-year-old man was identified Wednesday in the stabbing death of an American Automobile Association driver killed on the job in Pico Rivera.

The victim, identified as Raymond Zabala by relatives and colleagues, was slain while trying to help an AAA member in front of a home in the 8400 block of Buhman Avenue just before 4:30 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He was a "loving family man" who recently had a baby, according to co-workers.

The suspect was identified by authorities as Tobias Ruben Cabrera, a 39-year-old transient, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He frequents the Pico Rivera area and was believed to have a knife, according to the sheriff's department.

Zabala had been talking with the AAA member outside her home when the assailant stabbed him in the neck, deputies said. Zabala attempted to flee from the attack, leaving behind a trail of blood.

The 34-year-old worked as a battery technician for Petra Towing, which worked under contract with AAA. His co-worker Jesse Mendoza said he had got married last year and recently had a child.

"He was a loving family guy, a hard worker. (He was) always willing to stick around and help. He was just one of my favorite people," Mendoza added.

Zabala was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies said the stabbing took place several houses away from where he was found.

"When deputies arrived, they found the victim lying near the front door of a residence bleeding profusely," deputies said.

Deputies were searching for the man's attacker, who rode away on a bicycle.

A AAA source confirmed to NBC4 that the victim was one of its contract drivers.