Local

Police seek gunman in fatal grocery store owner shooting

By Amy Napier Viteri
By Amy Napier Viteri

ATLANTA,None — Atlanta police are searching for the man they believe shot and killed a convenience store owner in northeast Atlanta on Wednesday night.

Police released surveillance video from inside Banna Grocery on Irwin Street showing a gunman who they believe shot 48-year-old Suhrid Das as he was trying to close the store.

Manab Roy works at a restaurant with Das' brother and told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri that Das was a family man.

"Really nice gentleman. He has a family. He has a wife and a son back in India," Roy said.

He said he spoke to Das' brother after learning of the killing.

"I spoke to him earlier, but it was hard talking to him. He was just crying and crying," Roy told Viteri.

Atlanta police Lt. Paul Guerrucci said Das had just left the store when a man pushed him back inside.

"The perpetrator confronted him and forced him back into the business, and that's when the shooting occurred," Guerrucci said.

About eight hours later, police said a man smashed a window in an apartment above the store. Taria Camerino was inside with her children when, she said, the man robbed her Thursday morning.

District 2 city councilman Kwanza Hall told Viteri the city wants to send a strong message against this type of violence.

"I live less than two blocks going east that way, so we all are on heightened alert right now," Hall said.

Atlanta police set up a safety checkpoint near the business Thursday night. Those who knew Das left flowers at his business and condolence cards at the restaurant where his brother works.

Police said it is unclear if the shooting and robbery are connected, but they are not ruling anything out.

http://bcove.me/2fdqrov1

WSBTV

0

Most Read