Lake Wales detectives arrested a man Saturday for the October murder of a gas station co-owner.
Mohammed Alam, who owner QP gas station at 704 N. Scenic Highway in Lake Wales, was shot and killed by two men during an armed robbery.
Officers were dispatched to the convenience store, in reference to a call about an injured man lying near a vehicle in the parking lot of the store. Someone walking by saw a man lying in the parking lot and called 911.
Surveillance video showed Alam being approached by two suspects, wearing hooded clothing to conceal their identity. Alam is seen taking his pants off and handing them over to the suspects before he was shot.
When officers arrived scene, they found the 48-year-old lying next to the back right side of his 2004 Volvo XC90. He was suffering from a gunshot wound and officers immediately worked to give him medical attention.
Over the course of two months detectives followed up on a number of leads and as a result of their investigation they say enough information was obtained to arrest 26-year-old Julian William Bird.
Bird has been charged with First Degree Murder, Armed Robbery, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Tampering with Evidence. He was already in the Polk County jail on unrelated charges.
Sergeant Shawn Smith notified Mohammed's wife, Arzina Hafsa, of Bird's arrest. When she learned one of the alleged killers was behind bars, she began crying.
Lake Wales homicide detectives continue to investigate the murder of Mohammed Alam. They are working to identity the second suspect in the case and secure charges against that unknown man.
If you have any information on who the second murder suspect is, you are asked to contact this please contact Detective Aubrey Davis at the Lake Wales Police Department at (863) 678-4223 ext. 276.
You can also remain anonymous by calling Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477. You may be eligible for a reward up to $3,000 dollars that leads to an arrest.
