Durham police seek clues after security guard fatally shot

Jay Aaron Foust, 46, of Durham, worked for Allied Universal, which had been hired by the city and assigned to patrol a City of Durham parking deck. He had only been in the job for two months before he was killed.

Foust was found in an alley in the 400 block of North Mangum Street, near East Chapel Hill Street, around 3 a.m., police said.

He was taken to a hospital, where he died, police said.

Clothes and a hat that said "security" were found at the scene.

The alley leads to businesses and a parking garage.

Officials said the parking deck does have surveillance cameras mounted throughout the building, and police will request it as they search for a suspect.

Officials at Allied Universal say he was hired by the company in March 2019.

In a statement, his employer said: "We are extremely disheartened about this tragic incident where one of our unarmed security professionals was shot and killed while on duty at the City of Durham’s parking garage. "We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Further questions should be directed to the Durham Police Department, who are leading the investigation of this matter."

According to the company's website, the Pennsylvania-based security company employs over 200,000 security professionals throughout the U.S.

Durham officials hired Allied Universal to provide round-the-clock security protection at all cityy-owned decks downtown.

Kathleen Smith says she parks in one of those every day.

"This probably is going to make me be more conscious of what I'm doing and where I'm parking," she said.

Anyone with information can call Durham investigator I. Harton at 919-560-4440, ext. 29332 or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.