The Eagle

Suspect arrested in fatal shooting of bellringer

A suspect in the fatal shooting of a Salvation Army bell ringer at the Westland Kroger store last week has been arrested.

Westland police are withholding the suspect’s name until after his court arraignment which had not taken place at press time. Police issued a statement noting the suspect and the victim, Alvin Echols, 47, were acquainted and the shooting was not a random incident.

The shooting occurred in the busy grocery store located on Ford Road near Central City Parkway last week. Westland police were called to the store at about 6:10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 after panicked 911 calls. Responding officers discovered the victim inside the store suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders provided immediate medical aid, but Mr. Echols died at the scene, according to police reports. Witnesses reported that the shooter chased the victim inside the store where the shooting occurred while other customers were rushed to the rear of the building as a safety precaution. The assailant was initially described by some witnesses as a man about 18-20 years of age.

Police reported that the shooter ran from the scene immediately after the incident which sent shock waves through the area. The Westland Public Library, along with several local businesses, went into temporary lockdown during the initial investigation of the shooting. Westland police investigators identified the suspect, and he was arrested early Friday, according to police reports. He remains in police custody awaiting arraignment on the charges. The suspect's identity will be withheld until after a court arraignment takes place, police said.

"The Salvation Army is profoundly heartbroken by the tragic incident that took place tonight at the Kroger in Westland," said Lt. Col. Steve Merritt with the Salvation Army Great Lakes Division. "We lift up in prayer all who are affected, especially the individual involved, their loved ones and the Westland community. We are working closely with the Westland Police Department as they investigate the situation."

In a statement, the Kroger company noted, "We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred outside of our Westland Kroger located at 36430 Ford Road. We are cooperating with local law enforcement and will continue to follow their guidance while the police investigation continues. To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are deferring all questions to the Westland Police Department."

A GoFundMe page has been established for the family members who are facing “unimaginable heartbreak.” "The timing, so close to Christmas, has made it especially hard, as the family was preparing to celebrate together and now must navigate this tragedy instead," according to the GoFundMe page. The family hopes to raise $12,000 for funeral expenses.