Murder suspect captured after Leesburg Fast Stop employee dies

LEESBURG, Florida. — A man wanted in connection with a fatal robbery at a Leesburg convenience store was finally arrested Wednesday night, police said.

Police said the man – Alex Lopez, 25 – was captured around 7 p.m. near Kissimmee.

Lopez is accused of shooting a store clerk — Raied “Ray” Shihadeh, 51 — nearly a month ago at the Fast Stop Superette along Picciola Road.

Although he was taken to hospital, Shihadeh succumbed to his injuries, sparking a massive search for his killer.

Lopez was identified as a suspect days later, although police said they were not immediately able to pinpoint his whereabouts.

But thanks to investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Lopez was eventually arrested, police said.

“We hope that after finding Lopez, the victim’s family can now obtain justice,” police wrote Wednesday. “Thank you to the public who provided us with multiple information that helped make this possible.”

Police say Lopez faces charges of murder, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a felon and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

No additional information has been provided at this time. However, the police department said it “hopes” to release more details on Thursday.

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