California rabbi accused of intentionally running down worker painting Costco lot, prosecutors say

A California rabbi and educator allegedly drove his car directly at a worker painting lines in a Costco parking lot in Camarillo, intentionally striking and killing him, according to prosecutors. The Ventura County District Attorney's Office said Abba Avrohom Bryski, 35, is charged with murder.

Prosecutors say Bryski deliberately struck 28-year-old Nicholas Lang as he painted parking lines outside the Costco at about 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 20. Bryski, of Agoura Hills, allegedly drove his Infiniti Q60 coupe at Lang and intentionally struck him.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the Costco near the gas pumps at about 8:37 p.m. after a man was struck by a vehicle. Witnesses directed deputies to the driver, who was detained and identified as Bryski. KTLA reported that Bryski was still sitting in his vehicle nearby when authorities arrived.

Lang, of Modesto, was taken to Ventura County Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Authorities have not disclosed what allegedly prompted Bryski to drive at Lang or whether the two men knew each other.

Ventura County jail records list Bryski's occupation as an 'Educator/Rabbi.' He was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail on suspicion of murder, and he remains in custody without bail.

Prosecutors charged Bryski with murder and allege that he personally used a deadly weapon during the crime. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of resisting, obstructing or delaying a peace officer.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said, 'This is a devastating and senseless loss of life. The victim was at work, painting lines on a new parking lot, when his life was tragically cut short by an individual whose alleged actions demonstrated a shocking disregard for human life.' He added, 'We are committed to holding the defendant accountable and pursuing justice for the victim and his loved ones.'

Bryski appeared in Ventura County Superior Court on Monday and continued his arraignment until Nov. 18 at 1:30 p.m. Fox News Digital reached out to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office and the Ventura County District Attorney's Office for additional information about what led up to Lang's death, and also reached out to Chabad of the Conejo to determine whether Bryski is affiliated with the organization and to clarify his background as a rabbi.