Harnett County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Agency (ATF) announced Friday a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the shooting death of a gas station employee.
The announcement comes almost one week after 50-year-old Alfredo Escalona Mares was found dead inside the Value Mart on NC Highway 87 near Sanford on May 3.
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Investigators continue their search for the man believed to be involved. He is described as a Black male, 5’9” and a medium to heavy build. Surveillance footage shows the man wearing black clothing from head-to-toe.
The sheriff’s office said a customer who was injured during the ordeal was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Princess Montiel, a customer who spoke with Mares hours before the shooting, is still in disbelief.
“It’s unbelievable, especially here in Sanford,” Montiel said. “I would never believe for that to happen.”
She recalls positive interactions with Mares, saying he was friendly and respectful.
“He was the type of person who always wanted to help you out,” she added.
A GoFundMe, which appears to be written by his daughter, featured a heartfelt tribute.
One paragraph called Mares ‘a devoted father, grandfather, and beacon of light to all who knew him.”
Family writes that funds collected ‘will assist with challenges of cross-country relocation’ to his native home of Mexico City, Mexico.
A memorial service is planned for Mares on Tuesday, May 13.