Man sought in York gas station armed robbery shooting death
"It didn't ... have to happen," said a former Exxon store employee who knew the victim.
Ted Czech
York City Police are seeking a man in connection with the shooting death of an Exxon employee during an armed robbery early Tuesday morning.
The coroner identified the victim as Aditya Anand, 44, of York.
Police described the suspect as a black male in his 30s, with a large build and beard. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with an olive drab coat, jeans and white sneakers, according to a news release.
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At 5:46 a.m., officers responded to the gas station and convenience store, located at 1000 W. Market St., where they found Anand shot once inside the store. Officers administered emergency care until an ambulance arrived, York City Police Lt. Troy Bankert said.
The lone assailant then ran away in an unknown direction.
York County Coroner Pam Gay said Anand was taken to York Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:13 a.m.
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Bankert said armed robberies at convenience stores occur on occasion, but it is rare that one ends in a homicide.
"In my experience, that's unusual, yes," he said.
An autopsy on Anand's body is scheduled for Wednesday morning at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Gay said.
News of the incident shook West York resident and former store employee Juanita Singh, 45.
"It's just a shame, because it didn't freaking have to happen," she said. "This world is falling apart too damn soon ... It's really heartbreaking."
Singh, whose husband, Jastinder Singh, 43, currently works at the store — but was not there Tuesday morning — said the Exxon Mart is the type of neighborhood store where if a customer is short a few bucks, clerks say "it's not a big deal, just bring it back the next time."
"Why target a place that helps somebody out?" she said. "They're always helping people. Don't bite the hand that feeds you."
Singh recalled Anand, who she knew, saying, "He was a good guy, kind person. Always greeted his customers very nicely ... I hope they find the guy, and justice is served."
How to help
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 717-755-TIPS or the York City Police Department at 717-846-1234. Anonymous tips can also be texted to Yorktips at 847411. All those providing information may remain anonymous.
Contact reporter Ted Czech at 717-771-2033.
