KELSO, Wash. (KOIN) — While suffering from a gunshot wound, a 30-year-old convenience store clerk was able to call authorities for help before succumbing to her injuries on Tuesday morning.
Kelso Police Department said a suspect robbed Holt’s Quik Chek, located at 400 Cowlitz Way, around 4:12 a.m. and fatally shot Kayla Chapman.
Chapman, who lived in Kelso, was the only employee working at the time and there were no customers inside the store, which is connected to a gas station.
Capt. Darr Kirk said it was “remarkable” that she was able to call 911 given her wounds, however, he didn’t provide more detail into her injuries.
Chapman worked at the store for several years — making lasting impressions on customers.
Tim McCormack described her as an “awesome person.”
“She was fun, loving, awesome,” McCormack said. “She didn’t deserve that.”
Watch the press conference from Kelso police below
Police are now asking for the public’s help finding the suspect, who’s believed to be a dark-skinned man. His age is unclear, but he has an average build and is of average height.
“We’ll find this individual,” Kelso Police Chief Andrew Hamilton said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll find this individiual.”
The suspect vehicle is a late model, white 4-door sedan. Police added that they believe there were other occupants in the car at the time of the robbery.
A memorial for Chapman grew throughout the day Tuesday as friends and loved ones dropped off flowers, candles and stuffed aniamls outside the store.
“She was passionate about everything,” said Desiree Zimmerman, who knew Chapman. “She didn’t care what your background was, if you were mentally stable or not, on drugs, off drugs, alcoholic. I think if you had a problem she cared about you even more because it was an opportunity to help and give you hope.”
Sarah Zimmerman said Chapman once gave her shoes to a homeless person who came into the store.
“Whoever is the one who did that is really cruel hearted,” Sarah said.
People gather outside of the convenience store where Chapman was killed for a moment of silence #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/jD1dRKYheI— Cole Miller (@ColeKOIN) January 23, 2019
A friend of Chapman shared these photos of her with us, describing her as “passionate,” always willing to help others #KOIN6News pic.twitter.com/l47g7GV83a— Cole Miller (@ColeKOIN) January 23, 2019
There is a donation account to help with funeral expenses under Chapman’s name at Fibre Financial.