Gas Station Clerk Killed During Robbery

Police are searching for a suspect who fled on foot

Police are looking for the gunman who shot and killed a clerk during a robbery at EZ Mart at 271 East Main St. in Meriden around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday and a local business man is offering a reward to find the killer.

A witness who was inside the store told police that a man walked into the store with a gun and demanded money from the clerk.

Police said the clerk handed the suspect money and was then shot in the chest.

Friends identified the victim as Ibrahim Ghazal, a father of six.

Police said the shooter is 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10, with a husky build. He is between 28 and 40 years old and has clean-cut, dark hair and "bulging" eyes. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with lettering on it, gray or tan shorts and sneakers.

"Now I hope they find him because I loved that man," Rachel Simoneau said.  "He gave things free to some people who had no money and they went in there and he'd give them soda."

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Det. Benoit of the Meriden Police Department at 203-630-6297.

A local businessman who wishes to remain anonymous has offered a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the individual who committed the crime.

Police said the reward will be given to the individual who provides the most significant, relevant input about the suspect and his location.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Det. Benoit at 203-630-6297.

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