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Employee killed in Durham gas station robbery; suspect shot by police

Durham police charged a 26-year-old man Saturday afternoon after investigators say he killed an employee of a gas station on North Roxboro Street during an early-morning robbery.

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DURHAM, N.C. — Durham police charged a 26-year-old man Saturday afternoon after investigators say he killed an employee of a gas station on North Roxboro Street during an early-morning robbery.

Officers were called to the Joy Food Mart, at 2109 N. Roxboro St., at about 12:45 a.m., and when they arrived they heard shots inside the business and saw Dmarlo Johnson leaving the store.

Officers shot Johnson, of Durham, after he pointed his weapon at them, according to a police department spokesperson.

After the shooting, officers found Amer Mahmood, 48, of Durham, dead inside the store.

​Investigators have not released more details about the shooting, but Moby Chaudhary, the owner of the store, said Johnson shot Mahmood twice, the first time after he was given cash from the register.

Chaudhary also said he thinks Johnson lives in the area and frequented the store, one of three Chaudhary owns in Durham.

Chaudhary said Mahmood worked long hours in hopes of bringing his two children, ages 10 and 13, from Arizona to Durham.

"All he talked about what his children," Chaudhary said. "He was trying to save some money. He worked double shifts because he needed the money."

Following the shooting, Johnson was taken to a local hospital for treatment. He was taken to the Durham County jail early Saturday, where he is being held without bond.

The officers involved were placed on administrative leave with pay. Their names have also not been released.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Durham Police Department's Professional Standards Division and Criminal Investigations Division are also investigating the incident, which is also standard procedure in any officer-involved shooting.

North Roxboro Street was closed for several hours following the shooting between Avondale Drive and Club Boulevard.

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