Store owner shot and killed in robbery | Crime

SALISBURY - The owner of a convenience store west of Salisbury was shot and killed during an apparent robbery on Monday night, according to the sheriff.

At about 9:46 p.m., the Rowan County 911 Communications Center dispatched EMS, Fire Department, and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office to respond to the  Z & H Mart, located at 3610 Mooresville Rd.  

Emergency Responders arrived to find a male victim, who was the apparent victim of a fatal gunshot wound to the head.   The victim was identified as store owner Hecham Abualenian, 59.  

One neighbor who frequents the store described Abualenian as a friendly man.  The store used to be known as Ron's Country Store before it was purchased by Abualenian.  The store made unwanted headlines in June when deputies charged Abualenian with selling alcohol to a minor.  That teen died in a skateboarding accident.

Investigators from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and the NC SBI are currently working this investigation, which is in the early stages at present. 

Anyone with information about this incident, is asked to contact Lt. Chad Moose, at 704-216-8687; or Rowan County Crimestoppers, at 1-866-639-5245.

The Rowan County Sheriff's Office is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information.

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