Man In "Scream" Mask Shoots Garland Store Clerk
GARLAND (CBSDFW.COM) – Police are searching for the man who shot a Garland convenience store owner twice in the face and once in the leg during a robbery Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the Garland Police Department released a picture of a man wearing a mask from the movie Scream leaning over a counter during a robbery that ended with owner Arjun Paudel shot.
Police said witnesses saw the suspect and another man run out of the store after the shooting and enter a light colored, small sedan.
"I didn't imagine this could be happening," said Sadiksha Sharma, the owner's sister-in-law. "When I see him, and when I heard this message, I was just eager to see him."
Relatives said Paudel needed facial surgery, but is expected to recover. Family, friends and customers aren't the only ones concerned with the shooting. Neighbors said the crime has shaken them as well.
"This really scares me," said Peggy Sue, who lives nearby. "I pray for him."
For the past several years, Sue said she's kept an eye out when the previous owner – and now Paudel – would close the store at night.
"When I see lights go off, I stand out here and watch and when he leaves, I go back in," she said.
Tuesday night, however, she said she couldn't be there to keep watch as usual.
"I regret not being here," Sue said. "It really hurts me."
Police are now hoping the store's surveillance video will help them identify and track down the violent robbers. Garland Crime Stoppers are offering a reward for their arrest.
If you have any information pertaining to this crime, call 972.272.TIPS or visit garlandcrimestoppers.org. All tips are anonymous.
