AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting at a business that apparently started with a fight over a few bucks and a cigar.
The shooting happened around 11:15 p.m. Tuesday at Borders Drive Thru in the 1300 block of South Arlington Street.
When police arrived, they found a 21-year-old man with a gunshot wound.
According to police, the victim was a clerk at the store.
The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office identified the clerk as Ahmad Alibrahim, of Akron, and said he died from a gunshot wound to neck. The case was ruled a homicide.
His brother, Abdul Alibrahim, said Ahmad was kind and caring. He loved soccer and was engaged.
Instead of preparing for a celebration, the devastated family is in mourning.
"Everyone knew him at the drive-thru. I don't know why he got killed, for some reason, I don't know the reason," Abdul Alibrahim said. "He (the gunman) broke my heart. That's my best brother ever."
Police said a man walked up to the window and attempted to buy a single Black and Mild cigar when a dispute broke out over the condition of the money the man was attempting to give Alibrahim.
Captain Miller said the money appeared to have blood on it.
"The clerk informed the suspect that he's unable to take that in that condition. At that time, it's reported that the suspect pulls out what we believe to be some type of long-barrel rifle," Miller said.
Miller said a brief argument followed and then the customer fired at least two shots through the drive-through window, striking Alibrahim.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
"It sounds cliche when we say senseless tragedy, but this is beyond disturbing and I really can't put it into words," Miller said. "We will do everything we can to bring this individual into custody as quickly as we can."
No arrests have been made. Police are checking surveillance cameras in the area to see if there's any video of the gunman, who ran away after the shooting.
Police only have a limited description of the suspect and said he could be a young man or a juvenile.
Akron police investigating a shooting at Border's Drive Thru on South Arlington. Police have not released information just yet but it appeared one person has died. A large gathering of family was on scene while police processed the scene. pic.twitter.com/doazqSSOJt
— Mike Vielhaber (@MVielhaber) December 13, 2023
Summit County Crimestoppers is offering a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to the killer. You can call 330-434-COPS to leave a tip.
