Clayton County police are searching for a gunman who opened fire on a man as he was unloading groceries on Tuesday.
Police say Demba Balde tried to run when the gunman confronted him in the 600 block of Rockbury Drive in Riverdale, but he was shot.
Balde, 50, later died from his injuries.
People in the southwest Atlanta community where Balde owned a story said the West African man was an extremely caring person.
"I know if they had tried to take something from him. This man would have given to them, but to shoot him three times, it's very tough to swallow that," said Yusef Jalo, the victim's cousin.
Family members said that Balde was a marine biologist who came to the United States to live out the American Dream. He opened a store on Metropolitan Parkway 12 years ago.
Clayton County police canvassed Balde's neighborhood on Thursday in hopes of finding someone that saw something.
"We have a few suspects, as well as a possible description of a vehicle. It's a black vehicle, possibly the same type and color of a police vehicle," said Officer Danielle White of the Clayton County Police Department.
Customers left balloons and mementos at Balde's store on Thursday.
"Once Demba got the store – and the person that he was, it made the community and all the love come like it is now," said Tara Bridges.
Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to contact the Clayton County Police Department.
Balde leaves behind a wife, a 14-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter.
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Customers left balloons and mementos at Balde's store on Metropolitan Parkway. (Photo by Aungelique Proctor/MyFoxAtlanta)
