SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Casselberry police released surveillance video of a man who shot and killed a convenience store clerk Sunday night. Investigators said on Monday they hope the public can help identify the killer.
Deputies in Seminole County are searching for the gunman who they believe robbed two stores and shot the Texaco gas station clerk in the chest.
Omar Raheem was shot in the chest at the Texaco station on State Road 436 near Oxford Road.
The man entered the gas station with a black, semiautomatic handgun and demanded cash from an employee, authorities said.
Officials said the man then shot Raheem in the chest and fled on foot after taking an undisclosed amount of money. Police said they believe the gunman would have shot the clerk again had his gun not jammed.
“He never got it straightened out, and that's when he ran out,” said Sgt. William Nas.
The man was last seen running east toward the Suntrust Bank.
Raheem’s uncle told WFTV he opened up the store with his nephew more than two years ago. The business was closed on Monday while Raheem’s funeral was planned.
Customers said they couldn't believe the news.
“They were really nice,” said customer Melissa Segenda. “They didn't deserve something like that.”
Investigators said they believe the same man held up a Winn Dixie liquor store on US 17-92 in Fern Park about 15 minutes earlier.
“The investigators are working with the sheriff's office now to see if we can tie (the incidents) together,” said Nas.
In surveillance video, the gunman walked into the liquor store with a black handgun and forced the clerk to empty the cash register and then handcuff his own hands behind his back.
In the video, the clerk is seen lying helpless on the floor, but he had not been shot. Then the robber walks out with $200 and two bottles of liquor.
Investigators believe both crimes could be related.
Deputies said the suspect is a young, black male, likely in his 20s. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, a plaid shirt over a white T-shirt, and jean shorts.
WFTV
