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PBSO is investigating a homicide that occurred at the Quick Service Store in Belle Glade

BELLE GLADE, Fla.–Police are on the lookout for a man who shot and killed a Belle Glade store clerk at a convenience store.

The victim has been identified as 58 year old Ali Kassem Ballout, a Belle Glade resident.

The shooting happened Monday afternoon around 3:30.  

Neighbors say Ballout was hard working and did not deserve to be murdered.

“It’s hard to go around and see people killing folks,” says Angela Felton.

The corner of Southwest 3rd street and Martin Luther King Boulevard was like a scene out of movie for those living nearby.

“Yeah I know the guy, very nice guy,” said one.

Lloyd Anderson lives right above the store and was home at the time of the shooting and describes what he heard.

“Just like one shot, like boom, that’s all I heard,” says Anderson.

Police say just after 3:30 in the afternoon a man attempted to rob the store and for some reason shot the clerk. Police would not say if he got away with anything but he knew the area well enough to escape.

“Chances are they knew this store, they knew the neighborhood, they knew the location. They’re probably familiar with this area,” says Sgt. Richard McAfee.

As news of what happened spread, those close to the victim became angry.

“I don’t see how they can kill an innocent man like that he worked hard for his money,” says Robert Watson.

Watson lived next door to the victim and says he did not have any family in Belle Glade but he considered him a best friend. He says knowing the shooter could be so careless about a human life makes him nervous to walk the streets. “The same way that he killed this man he could do the same to the next person.”

But many say this is not the first time the store has been a target for violence. They say that Ballout was pistol whipped last week.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 800-458-TIPS stay anonymous and be eligible for up to $1,000 REWARD!

 

(source: wptv.com)

 

 

South Florida Web AdvisorsPBSO is investigating a homicide that occurred at the Quick Service Store in Belle Glade