North Texas Police Release CVS Security Video Of Person Who Shot Pregnant Worker
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Police have been able to talk to a pregnant woman critically injured after being shot while working at a CVS Pharmacy In University Park.
According to investigators, the victim saw the suspect's eyes during the robbery attempt believes an African American male shot her. She also said the man had a raspy voice -- like a "smoker's" voice -- and that she doesn't believe the shooter is someone she knows.
"I don't know what goes through someone's mind like that... Don't know what it takes for someone to do something like that," said University Park Assistant Police Chief Jim Savage.
In an effort to generate leads and help find a suspect, police in University Park released surveillance video from outside the CVS. The incident happened around 6:30 a.m. Saturday at the store on Mockingbird Lane, next to the Southern Methodist University campus.
The video shows a person calmly walking toward the entrance of the store and about 45 seconds later running out the door, nearly crashing into a large ceramic planter, and down the sidewalk in front of the building. Police say while there is video of the shooting from inside the store it "will not be released as it could compromise the investigative efforts."
Police say while inside the store the suspect demanded money from another store employee, who was behind the cash register. That person was having a hard time getting the register open and that's when the suspect opened fire, hitting the pregnant employee who was working on the other side of the service counter. The shooter left without any money or merchandise.
Police released a surveillance image taken of the suspect inside the store showing him to be a tall person, wearing heavy winter clothing and a mask.
Police are asking those watching the surveillance video to pay particular attention to the man's gait while walking and running and his style of clothing.
"He's got a pretty distinctive walk, as he's walking into the store," said Savage.
After the shooting, the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where she delivered a baby boy. Monday police said both the mom and baby remain in critical, but stable condition. The victim is not being identified, due to her family's wishes for privacy.
Some business owners in the same shopping center as the CVS are now looking at ways to increase security. University Park police investigators are also analyzing surveillance cameras in the area, looking for leads.
The owner of the nearby Roly Poly sandwich shop says he will donate all tips this week, up to $1,000, to the mom and baby.
Investigators say there are currently three investigators actively working the case.
Anyone who can identify the suspect or has information about the shooting is asked to call the University Park Police Department at 214-564-4148 or 214-987-5354.