Local

Police seek leads in shooting death of apartment security guard

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando officers handed out fliers Saturday around the Metrowest apartment complex where a security guard was shot and killed.

Allen McPherson, 48, was found shot at about 11:30 p.m. near the car wash in the Sabal Palm at Metrowest apartment complex on Raleigh Street.

McPherson was still alive when eyewitnesses found him but died shortly after.

Police said McPherson, who worked for PCI Security in Orlando, was armed, but he did not return fire.

Officers spent several hours searching for evidence in the complex, but no suspects have been identified.

Detectives are hopeful front-gate security cameras recorded someone leaving, possibly quickly, between 11 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Saturday night. There are no cameras near the car wash area.

They said McPherson did not return fire but did not say if he was shot with his own gun.

Prior to the shooting, residents said, Sabal Palm management was making an effort to reduce crime in the area.

They said they can't believe McPherson was shot and killed on the job at the car wash area, where flowers now lay to honor his memory.

Residents said McPherson took his job as a security guard very seriously.

Sasha Fuller, a resident, said McPherson would try to make sure people didn't tailgate into the complex.

"They're usually pretty active trying to detect anyone suspicious around here," said resident Jamael Gray.

"He was just doing his job. Nobody should have to die doing their job," said resident Aaron Lee.

Police had two vehicles towed out of the apartment complex Saturday night. One vehicle was a marked security car and the other a white Jeep.

"He was really a good guy and he was all about safety. So if something can happen to him, something could happen to any one of us here," said resident Vanessa Bernard.

Some residents said they thought McPherson went a little too far at the complex and rubbed some people the wrong way.

Orlando police hope the fliers will encourage someone to contact Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).