LEESBURG, Fla. – A wanted man in a fatal robbery at a Leesburg convenience store was finally taken into custody on Wednesday evening, according to the police department.
Police said Alex Lopez, 25, was captured around 7 p.m. near Kissimmee.
Lopez is accused of shooting a store clerk — Raied “Ray” Shihadeh, 51 — nearly a month ago at a superette along Picciola Road.
Despite being taken to the hospital, Shihadeh succumbed to his injuries, prompting a sweeping search for his killer.
Lopez was identified as a suspect just a few days later, though police said they weren’t immediately able to locate his whereabouts.
But thanks to investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Lopez was ultimately arrested, police announced.
“We hope in finding Lopez, the victim’s family can now get justice,” the police department wrote on Wednesday. “Thank you to the public who supplied us with multiple pieces of information who helped to make this possible.”
According to police, Lopez faces charges of murder, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a felon, and use of a firearm during a felony.
No additional information has been provided at this time. However, the police department stated that it is “hopeful” to release more details on Thursday.
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