Durham police looking for help in shooting of puppy seller

A spokeswoman for the Durham Police Department said the incident happened Aug. 4 in Wellons Village, at 1000 N. Miami Blvd., where two men were trying to sell puppies. The men gave their phone numbers to several possible buyers and left.

The sellers later received a call from a prospective buyer and went to meet the person at an apartment parking lot at 600 Wittenberg Way. Two other men emerged from the woods, and the group discussed the puppies.

The sellers told police one man produced a gun and demanded money. The armed man shot one of the sellers in the chest after noticing the seller had a firearm. Police said the seller had a legal permit for the weapon.

One of the robbers stole a wallet and two cellphones. The second assailant fled on foot.

Durham police have charged Taijon Lloyd, 22, with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, robbery with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of stolen goods and obtaining property by false pretenses.

Durham police are looking for help in identifying the second man. He is described as a black male in his late 20s to early 30s, about 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing approximately 200 to 215 pounds. He is described as having light brown skin, a round face, "zigzag" matted cornrows and an overall "dirty" appearance. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham police at 919-560-4281 ext. 29121 or Durham Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.