Suspect caught in fatal convenience store robbery in Leesburg
Authorities have captured the suspect in the slaying of a Leesburg convenience store owner, Leesburg police reported Wednesday night.
“He was arrested about an hour ago,” Leesburg Sgt. Shannon Walsh said at 8 p.m.
Alex Lopez was arrested in the Kissimmee area by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement/Orlando Violent Crime Task Force. He was wanted in the slaying of Raied Shihadeh at M&M Market on Picciola Road on May 31.
Lopez, 25, of Wildwood, was wanted on charges of premeditated murder, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and use of a firearm during a felony.
Store security video captured the moment the gunman ran into the store and shot Shihadeh before he even had a chance to react. He was leaning back in a chair and talking to his wife on the phone when he was shot. He tried to crawl to the cash register but was shot again.
Related coverage: Convenience store safety discussed after Leesburg robbery/murder
Police say the video clearly identified Lopez, despite his attempt to hide his identity behind a scarf.
"We are grateful for their assistance, along with all other local, state, and federal agencies who assisted in his capture. Above all else, we hope this provides some level of relief and solace for the family ….” the department stated in a Facebook post.
No other details were available Wednesday night.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Leesburg Florida: Suspect in fatal store shooting now in custody
