CHARLOTTE — A woman was killed in a shooting at an ATM in a parking lot off of University City Boulevard Wednesday morning, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police confirmed. Authorities said the homicide was the result of a robbery and that the victim and suspect did not know each other.
Police said they were called to the parking lot of a 7-Eleven near John Kirk Drive and Old Concord Road just after 5:45 a.m. When they arrived, they found Karen Baker, 48, who had been shot.
A Channel 9 crew saw several patrol cars and officers who were focusing their attention on the ATM. We arrived at about 6 a.m. to see officers putting crime tape up near the ATM and a nearby restaurant. A CMPD Crime Scene Investigations van was also at the scene. Officers were also at the 7-Eleven nearby as they investigated.
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In a news briefing, CMPD Maj. Brian Foley said when officers arrived, they tried to save Baker’s life, but she died at the scene.
Hours later, police said the woman was murdered in what they believe was a random robbery. Sources told Channel 9 that she was targeted by a stranger.
Foley said it’s too early to tell what led up to the shooting. He said investigators are reviewing all the evidence and information available and looking at footage from nearby surveillance cameras.
“I hate to be out here in front of these cameras talking to you about these incidents, but again, we’re appealing to the community,” Foley said. “And this is about safety for all of us, and it takes everybody working together to make sure that we’re safe.”
Channel 9′s DaShawn Brown spoke to one nearby business owner who said they actually had multiple employees call out after hearing about the deadly shooting because they didn’t feel safe.
“I’m so sad it happened,” Alex Park said. “There are so many young kids who hang around here, even during school time.”
In the last few months, Park said he and other business owners have shared safety concerns with the landlord, who recently hired more security.
The general manager at a nearby Asian market said he was pulling any surveillance video they had to help police with the case -- and for peace of mind for his staff.
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“I do worry about their safety. I don’t know if we’re going to take extra measures to have security on the premises on a regular basis, but it will definitely be addressed,” Larry Wright said
Other community members said they can’t believe what happened at the shopping center.
“That’s actually why we relocated to a different county. Just having a new baby, and we really didn’t want her in that kind of wild environment,” Charles Rhodes said. “You can’t even go to the ATM anymore.”
We have asked Charlotte-Mecklenburg police if they have any information about suspects but have not heard back at this point.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
(WATCH BELOW: Arrest made in connection with third fatal shooting on Statesville street in 2 months)
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