The Leesburg Police Department is searching for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a convenience store clerk.
At 9:08 p.m. Thursday, Leesburg patrol officers responded to the Fast Stop Superette, located at 3702 Picciola Road in Leesburg, regarding a robbery and shooting. Upon arrival, officers observed the clerk on the floor inside the business with at least one apparent gunshot wound. Lake EMS and Leesburg Fire Rescue were summoned to the scene to treat the victim, who was not conscious at that time.
Leesburg officers immediately established a perimeter and requested a K-9 unit and LCSO aviation to respond. An extensive search was conducted with the K-9 team and aviation; however, they were not successful in locating the suspect. Leesburg detectives and CSI also responded and conducted an on-scene investigation, including a canvas of businesses in the area.
The victim, 51-year-old Raied Shihadeh, was airlifted to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he died overnight.
The suspect appears to be an adult male of unconfirmed race with a slim build.
If anyone observed the suspect before or after 9 .m. Thursday, or if area businesses have video from the area last night, you are asked to contact LPD detectives at (352) 728-9862.