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Detroit auto parts store employee shot & killed during robbery

Posted at 12:46 PM, Mar 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-19 17:09:14-04

A man working at a Detroit auto parts store was shot and killed during a robbery late Monday morning.

According to police, the man worked at Metropolitan Cores Auto Parts Store on Coyle near I-96 and Greenfield on the city's west side. Police say the victim is the owner.

Police say two African American men wearing dark clothing entered the store, robbed a man and then shot him in the chest around 11 a.m. The son of the owner called police to report the crime.

Demetrious Williams and his father both worked in the small business and knew the owner and the son.  “I can’t imagine he went through today.  Sometimes a friend being nearby just coming to check on you see how you’re doing is all that you need.”

Metropolitan Cores has been in business since 2002. Police say it deals in new and used radiator and catalytic converter cores.

Police say the thieves got away with a "significant" amount of cash.

The man was rushed to the hospital and later died. His name has not officially been released, pending notification of all family members.

One customer who didn’t want his face shown says he can’t believe it.  “He don’t bother nobody.  He always chit chatting.  Very kind generous person. I don’t know why. He’s a nice person.”

Right now, police haven't given a detailed suspect description. They are also not saying if this was a targeted robbery. However, they are saying that it does not appear to be similar to other crimes.

Anyone with information can call 911 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.