The Akron Police Department has released new information about what led up to a fatal shooting at a gas station over the weekend. Authorities have also identified a suspect in the case and are looking for him.
The shooting happened around 4:18 a.m. on July 5 at the BP gas station, 778 Grant St. According to Akron Police, a preliminary investigation has revealed that the man who was killed, later identified as 26-year-old Ar'Mon Covington, confronted another man who was harassing women in the parking lot.
After Covington intervened, the other man pulled out a gun, shot him multiple times and then drove off southbound on Grant Street, police said.
"It's horrible. The suspect shot our victim at close range and walked away like it was nothing," Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy said.
Covington was pronounced dead at the scene.
"It's a different kind of hurt. It's unexplainable," Covington's mother, Na'Tosha Covington, said.
The suspect has since been identified as 41-year-old Damario McCall, according to Akron Police. A warrant for murder has been issued for his arrest.
"What in your right mind made you feel like 'I'm God today and I'm going to take your life'?" Covington said.
Police are looking for McCall.
According to the Ohio Dept. of Corrections, McCall went to prison in 2009 for multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter. He was released from prison earlier this year.
"I just really hope that they catch this guy and get him off the street; keep him from harassing other women, from hurting other people. I don't want any other mother, father, family member to have to go through this," Covington said.
Her heart feels empty following her son's death.
"He was my youngest child; he was my only son. It's a different kind of hurt. It's unexplainable," she said.
Covington remembers her son as a young man who loved his family, enjoyed making music, and loved to travel. She met with News 5 on Tuesday at a park her son used to frequent.
"He would [come] here and play basketball all the time. I think this was one of his favorite parks," she said.
According to court records, Ar'Mon Covington was convicted earlier this year in connection with a domestic violence case and given community control. However, police said they do not believe there is any connection between that case and his homicide.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the detective bureau at 330-375-2490 or CrimeStoppers at 330-434-COPS. You can also text TIPSCO and a tip to 274637.
