A suspected masked shooter and his alleged walkie-talkie accomplice are behind bars after shooting a gas station manager during a failed $17K robbery.
Just before 3 p.m. on December 23, 2024, West Palm Beach Police (WPPD) officers say 49-year-old Marathon Gas Station district manager exited the gas station near the 1800 block of Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. with over $13,000.
As the manager approached his red Ford Explorer, he was attacked from behind by a masked suspect, later identified as 24-year-old V M, with a firearm. After a brief struggle, he was able to run away but was shot in the back. When responders arrived, they rushed the victim to the hospital where he went into surgery for life-threatening injuries, and an investigation ensued.
According to witnesses, M fled the scene with a getaway driver, later identified as 25-year-old BR, in a bright red Jaguar. Surveillance video shows M pacing with a cigarette outside the building before the assault, holding a walkie-talkie.
At the crime scene, investigators uncovered three discharged firearm casings and over $17K in cash in the victim’s vehicle. Further, investigators say a R -57 firearm, along with additional casings, was discovered nearby.
Investigators tracked down the getaway vehicle to a home just a mile from the scene at Cameron Estates where investigators say it was parked with stolen plates and a walkie-talkie in plain view.
On February 23, 2024, officers say M reported his vehicle stolen to PBSO, but his text messages, which were uncovered in the investigation, revealed suspicious messages the day it was reported stolen.
His roommate and step-brother texted M “I have a mission my son, Its Monday, Gotto see it through,” in three separate texts just before contacting PBSO, according to investigators.
The cellphone records obtained by a judge in January confirmed that M was at the Marathon Gas Station at the time of the attempted-murder.
The judge also signed a search warrant for R’s fingerprints and an oral swab. When officers transported R to the station to collect evidence, they also performed an interrogation.
Investigators say R claimed he had no knowledge of the shooting and did not use a walkie talkie, despite surveillance showing him pick up M less than a minute after the shooting.
Based on witness statements, cell phone records, surveillance footage, and the interrogation officers found probable cause to book M on counts of attempted first degree murder, attempted robbery with a firearm, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. His alleged accomplice, R, was also booked on the same counts.
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Source: cbs12
