True World Foods Expresses Grief Over Murdered Employee

SAN LEANDRO, CA — San Leandro residents were shocked on Monday when a worker was run over and killed by a man allegedly trying to steal pallets from the company where he worked, True World Foods. The company has now released a statement about the employee, Takeshi Watanabe:

True World Foods, LLC, has confirmed that the individual who died following a hit-and-run incident at their San Leandro, CA, distribution center on Monday, October 17, 2016, was a True World Foods employee. Takeshi Watanabe, age 54, was a warehouse and distribution laborer hired by True World Foods in Los Angeles in the early 1990’s and then moved to San Leandro, CA in 1997. According to witnesses on the scene and surveillance video, Watanabe was killed when he tried to stop the driver of a pick-up truck from stealing wood pallets.

“We grieve with his widow and three sons. Personally, I am tremendously moved by Takeshi’s desire to stop what he saw as a violation of the company,” said Robert Bleu, president of True World Group. “I respect his courage, yet deeply regret that it cost him his life.”

The incident is being treated as a homicide by the San Leandro police department. True World Foods is cooperating with the investigation. Surveillance video and eyewitness cooperation have already helped police secure an arrest.

Representatives from True World Foods met with Watanabe’s family after the incident. To protect their privacy, True World Foods agreed to delay confirming his identity until his circle of extended family and friends could be notified.

“This is a tragic loss. Takeshi was a valuable part of our team. He was best known for being a truly good-hearted person. He cared about his co-workers and they cared about him,” said Sebastian Doroski, True World Foods HR operations manager. “Outside of work, he volunteered in the community and was active in youth programs. He will be missed by many.”

True World Foods employees who want to talk with a grief or trauma counselor have been encouraged to utilize the company’s employee assistance program.

“Our hearts are heavy today. Our condolences are with his family and, of course, and with all those who knew him and cared about him,” Doroski said.

Previous:

San Leandro Murder Victim Identified

Update: Police Arrest San Leandro Homicide Suspect

Image via San Leandro Police