7-Eleven clerk fatally shot by robber in Hammond

HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) -- Police have issued an alert after a robbery at a 7-Eleven store in Hammond, Ind., that ended in a fatality.

The male suspect entered the store at 6031 Homan Avenue early Wednesday morning and fired two shots at a store clerk, police said.

The 50-year-old man, who was from Blue Island, Ill., was taken to a hospital, where he died a short time later, authorities said.

The suspect is believed to have left the area on foot and is still at large.

"He's always been there for me. He helps everybody. He's just a passionate guy and loved life," said the victim's wife, Patti Unton.

Roger Unton had worked with 7-Eleven for over ten years. But he'd only been at this particular store in Hammond since August. News of his shooting death while working the midnight shift has devastated his family

"They don't carry a lot of cash in the store. He's one of those people who had always dropped the money. The money wasn't there. It was senseless," said Patti Unton.

Longtime customers of the 7-Eleven were shocked by the news.

"He was a nice guy. I have nothing bad to say about him. I don't understand what's going on. I'm ready to move now," said customer Angel Payne.

Married for 22 years, Patti Unton said her husband was a lifelong member of the Sons of the American Legion and spent most of his free time caring for his elderly parents in Dolton.

"Both of his parents are ill. And so every day he goes over to his parents' house, takes care of them, comes sees me. I work days, he works nights. It's a hard shift to work, but he does it, he was doing it," Patti Unton said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective John Suarez at (219) 852-2981.