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Manhunt on for Shell station shooter

Family appeals for help with expenses

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Family appeals for help with expenses

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

“It was a very cold calculated act of violence,” said West Memphis Police detective Mose Walker of the armed robbery Monday October 20 at the Shell Station near the State Welcome Center at 700 N. Service Road. “Unlike most robberies the violence happened in reverse. The suspect never mentioned wanting money.”

The incident, initially reported a week ago, is now seeing the West Memphis Police provide more details in hopes of identifying and arresting the suspect. Meanwhile, friends of the victim have made online appeals to raise funds to defer medical costs.

The robber brandished a semi-automatic pistol with a distinctive gold slide and shot the female clerk, emptying the magazine.

“He came in, made a purchase, shot the victim and stole from the register,” said Walker. “It was a relatively low amount. She was shot multiple times. He ran the gun dry so it was about seven times. He was extremely cold. Never mentioned anything about the money, turned around and shot her. She had only been working there a few weeks.”

One clue had come in from a motorist, but police hoped for more information from the public.

“We were able to obtain a vehicle description from a passerby and from video cameras in the area,” said Walker. “It was an older model light color, possibly gold or tan, GMC envoy Chevy Trailblazer with Illinois tags. We are open to any possibility, but right now we do not believe he was local, he was probably passing through.”

Shot multiple times, the victim managed to notified law enforcement and family

See MANHUNT, page A2

A 4 a.m. surveillance camera video caught the armed robber’s getaway vehicle leaving the Shell station, Oct. 20 near the store at 700 N. Service Rd., in West Memphis. The older model light color GMC Envoy or Chevy Trailblazer had Illinois tags and was seen by a passerby. Police sought more information in the case and offered a Crimestoppers reward.

Photo courtesy WMPD MANHUNT

From page A1

members. Store cameras showed the suspect, a Black Male wearing a black Under Armor hoodie with a big white logo on the front and black cargo pants. Police described the suspect as being between 5’6” and 5’8”, and weighing between 145 and 165 pounds.

“By the grace of God she is with us today,” said Walker. “She has been released from the hospital and recuperating at home. To the suspect, you will get what you deserve. Your time is coming. We are asking anybody who has seen anything or knows anything to reach out and call us. People often speak amongst themselves before they come to law enforcement. As a culture we need to become more invested in our own community. If anybody knows anything or knows anybody connected with the heinous crime contact us. This crime was extremely cold and unnecessary no one deserves what this young lady endured. But the fact that people like this are walking around, focus on your surroundings.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the West Memphis Police dispatch center at (870) 732-7555 or the Crittenden County Crime Stoppers at (870) 732-4444. A reward of up to $2,000 was offered. All calls will be kept condential.

Friends and family of the victim reached out on social media to raise funds to help defray medical costs and raise money for living expenses while she recovers. Her mom, Toya Clark, made an appeal.

“If y’all know my baby Latoya, y’all know how much she loves her baby,” said Clark. “She was working two jobs to make sure he had everything he needed and she had plans for her birthday next month. The devil tried to take my rst born child but God had other plans for her. Get better baby and I love you so much. You are so brave and strong. Cash app her, $ladariusmommy04.”

Friends and family made an appeal for cash to help the store clerk shot multiple times with medical bills and personal expenses while recovering at cash app $ladariusmommy04.

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