On April 18, 2024, Mohammed Shahzad, a 50-year-old employee at the Arco AMPM gas station on Arch Road in Stockton, California, was tragically killed during an armed robbery. Multiple suspects entered the gas station around 1:30 a.m., initiating a robbery that escalated into a physical altercation. During the confrontation, Shahzad was shot in the torso. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene.
Shahzad was well-known in the community for his dedication and kindness.
He had worked at the gas station for a decade, earning the respect and affection of many customers. Friends and patrons remembered him as a generous individual who often extended help to those in need. One friend noted, "Mohammed... he would help out anybody. He was a good guy, man."
In the aftermath of the incident, the Stockton Police Department launched an investigation to apprehend the suspects involved. On May 24, 2024, Long Beach police arrested 18-year-old Rafael Galvan, who was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on charges of homicide. Subsequently, 19-year-old Sir James Roots was also arrested in connection with the crime.
The arrests provided some relief to the grieving community, though the loss of Mohammed Shahzad continues to be deeply felt. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support his surviving family, including his wife and five children, all under the age of twelve. The campaign highlighted Shahzad's role as the backbone of his family and the financial challenges they face following his untimely death.
