Police looking for person who shot, killed man and stole truck

ALBEMARLE, N.C. — Police are looking for the person who shot and killed a man and then stole a truck.

The shooting happened at a coin shop in Albemarle Thursday night.

The victim was store owner, Eldridge Roger Gibson, 81, who police say was found lying on the floor after the robbery Thursday.

Albemarle’s Police Chief told Eyewitness News they have asked the State Bureau of Investigations to help them with this case.

Detectives are on the streets searching for the stolen truck after an unidentified man walked up to rob the B&G Coin Shop on Concord Road Thursday afternoon.

Police say the store has been in the city for years.

Officers remained there throughout the night and say the shooter is still on the loose.

The man appeared to knock on the door before going inside.

Police say he was inside for 20 minutes, shot the owner, and came outside with two bags.

They say he drove off in Gibson’s white Ford F-150 truck with tag number ZRT-3645 and chrome wheels.

Police say the gunman could still be driving it around.

Investigators say people should not approach the driver if they see the truck, but to call police instead.

Gibson was rushed to Stanly Regional Medical Center where he died.

A customer of B&G Coins told Eyewitness News Gibson had always kept the door locked as a safety precaution, so customers had to knock before coming inside.

“It’s a crying shame someone can’t make an honest living without a lowlife coming to rob him and kill him. He didn’t deserve that at all,” said Rick Barnhardt, a neighbor.

Police said the gunman may have tried to dump the truck.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle or any information on this homicide, please call the Albemarle Police Department at 704-984-9500.

WSOC