Person of interest in custody for fatal shooting of Glenwood liquor store owner: police

GLENWOOD, Ill. (WLS) -- Glenwood police have a person of interest in custody in connection with the fatal shooting that took place inside Emporium Liquors on Monday night.

The death of the beloved owner of the store is heartbreaking to those who knew him.

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Devastated family members of Naveen Singh locked up the store where the 52-year-old was shot and killed. The location, a well-known and welcoming spot in the neighborhood, is now a crime scene.

Camille Reynolds stopped by Emporium Liquors to pay her respects, saying that Singh always had a kind word for his customers, but that now, she would not have the words to console his family.

"My heart was very heavy," Reynolds said. "I don't think words would do it justice. The person I am, I want to give them a hug."

Glenwood police said it was around 6:45 p.m. Monday when a gunman entered the store and fatally shot Singh after getting into an argument.

At least one person living in the neighborhood heard the gunfire.

"I heard, at least, about five gunshots. When I heard it, I knew it was gunshots," said Joann Clark.

Another neighbor said he saw someone exit the store after the shooting.

"I seen a young gentleman that was leaving the store, had a desperate look on his face," Joe Clark said.

Throughout Tuesday morning, people stunned by the news stopped by the store. A memorial to Singh is growing.

"I feel when situations like this happen, we all should come together. Bring candles. Bring flowers. Show that you lost a family member and a friend," said Stephanie Barnes, who started the memorial.

Glenwood police have a person of interest in custody and say there is no danger to the public.

Still, Darrick Green, who owns a sandwich shop few doors down, is upgrading his security.

"I'm thinking about doing something different. Improvements to safety, camera systems," Green said.

He is taking those measures at the urging of his father, Willie Green.

"You try to make an honest living, and someone takes your life for nothing. And I don't want anything to happen to my son, and I hate what happened to this man here and his family," the father said.

This case is still under investigation by the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force.