Kelso convenience store worker killed during robbery

(Update: Police ID victim, comments)

KELSO, Wash. (AP) – Authorities are searching for a person who shot and killed a convenience store employee during a robbery in Kelso, Washington.

According to the Kelso Police Department, the robbery occurred at Holt’s Quik Chek at 4:12 a.m. Tuesday. The suspect shot and killed the only employee in the store.

Police Captain darr Kirk later idenfied the victim as Kayla Chapman, 30, who called 911 after she was shot and later died of her injuries.

“Given her wounds, it was remarkable that she was able to call 911,” Kirk said, according to KGW.

Police said the suspect fled the scene in a white, late-model, smaller sedan. Other people were believed to be in the car during the robbery, police said. Police believe the suspect has fled the area.

“We’ll find this individual,” said Kelso Police Chief Andrew Hamilton. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll find this individual. … I’m certain of that.”

Kirk said that because they believe the suspect is no longer in the area, police don’t believe there is a threat to the community.

Call Kelso police at 360-423-1270 if you have any information about the incident or the suspect.