OAKLAND PARK, FLA. (WSVN) - An overnight argument at a 7-Eleven in Oakland Park ended in the fatal shooting of a store clerk, authorities said.
Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the convenience store along Oakland Park Boulevard and Northeast Sixth Street, Monday morning.
“He was a pretty quiet guy. He was just doing his job,” said Erick Gerardo, who was a regular customer.
“It’s just shocking,” said Alfredo Ferreyra, another customer.
According to witnesses, a woman came inside the store just after midnight.
“She was going to buy a cigar, and she didn’t have her ID,” said Gerardo. “The cigar was only, like, a 99 cent cigar, so apparently she didn’t have her ID. The co-worker just simply asked her for an ID, and then she started throwing a fit.”
Gerardo, who was in contact with another employee inside the store, said the staff tried to remedy the situation.
“They escorted her out of the store,” he said.
Shortly after, investigators said, the victim was shot dead in the parking lot.
“When the guy was out, at the store, [the co-worker] heard it was two shots, and then [the victim] was on the floor,” said Gerardo.
Officials said it’s unclear who fired the shots.
“An individual pulled a firearm and shot an employee who was later pronounced deceased at the Broward General Hospital,” said BSO Sgt. Donald Prichard. “The particulars of the investigation are ongoing. At this time, I cannot confirm what the altercation was about, but the altercation occurred between multiple people, including employees and customers.”
“The co-worker that got shot, if it wasn’t because of him, the one that text me would’ve already got killed as well,” said Gerardo.
“I knew a lot of them that work in there every morning, very nice people,” said Ferreyra.
The victim’s identity has not been released, but officials said he was in his late 50s.
Although the investigation continues, BSO said there’s no search for a suspect.
“Homicide detectives are not looking for anyone, and at this time, all parties involved are cooperating,” Prichard said. “Nobody is under arrest at this time.”
Customers were turned away from the convenience store throughout the morning as a sign on the door read, “Store is temporarily closed.”
“I have my conceal weapons permit. I always carry it with me because you never know what’s going to happen these days,” said Ferreyra.
People who knew the clerk brought flowers to the store, Monday afternoon.
A spokesperson for 7-Eleven, Inc. released a statement that read, “The safety and well-being of 7-Eleven franchisees and customers is of utmost importance. Our hearts are with the victim and their family. We are gathering information and working with local law enforcement.”
Detectives are reviewing surveillance video from inside the 7-Eleven, as they continue to investigate.
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