Owner of Durham convenience store fatally shot during robbery

The shooting happened around 7:15 a.m. at the Family Fare at 2918 Guess Road, according to Durham police. The victim, identified at 41-year-old John Wesley Pruitt Jr., was taken to Duke University Hospital where he died a short time later.

A second person with a gunshot wound was also taken to the hospital.

Doug Harold, a frequent customer who knew Pruitt, said he was a wonderful man.

"He's a big old bear of a man," Harold said. "But when one of his friends has a problem, tears come to his eyes."

"And now someone has to tell his daughter—has to tell his wife," Harold said. "How heartbreaking."

A spokesperson for Family Fare stores said Pruitt owned the store and had been with the company for about 10 years. The spokesperson said Pruitt leaves behind a wife and child.

Customer Joy Wendt, called the shooting a "tragedy for the community."

"It's terrifying. It really is terrifying. It makes you wonder what someone is thinking," Wendt said.

"(Pruitt) was wonderful. The whole family really cares about the community," Wendt said. "This is just heartbreaking, especially on Valentine's Day. I just pray for the family."

Police said the shooting stemmed from an attempted robbery.

Anyone with information about the shooting should call Investigator M. Evans at 919-560-4440 ext. 29336 or Crime Stoppers at 919-683-1200.