Douglas W. Cimperman, a 51-year-old white male, was tragically killed on January 16, 2021, in Belleville, Illinois. Cimperman was working at the ZX gas station on Carlyle Avenue when he was shot during an attempted armed robbery. The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m., and it is believed that Cimperman was a random victim targeted by the suspect, who fled the scene on foot. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt and black pants.
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was called in to assist with the investigation. Surveillance footage from the gas station showed the suspect approaching Cimperman with a gun before entering the store and going behind the counter where the cash register was located. Despite the efforts of the investigators, the suspect remains at large. The police have urged residents in the area to check their home surveillance cameras for any suspicious activity that might help identify the perpetrator.
In response to the incident, CrimeStoppers offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, with an additional $10,000 reward provided by Midwest Petroleum Company, the owner of the gas station. The investigation has been ongoing, with detectives encouraging anyone with information to come forward. The Major Case Squad has emphasized that this was a random act of violence, and they continue to seek leads to bring justice for Douglas Cimperman and his family.
