Salvation Army Bell Ringer Killed Outside Store

A man collecting Christmas donations for The Salvation Army was fatally shot inside a Kroger grocery store in Westland, Michigan, Thursday evening, police said.

The victim — who has not yet been publicly identified — was reportedly gunned down around 6 p.m. near the store’s Ford Road entrance by a teenage suspect he knew personally, according to Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman and local outlet WXYZ.

Officers rushed to the scene and found the man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead inside the store.

The teen suspect fled but was captured early Friday. Police have not yet released his name, saying it will be made public after his arraignment. Authorities emphasized that the shooting “was not random” and that the two had a prior relationship. The motive remains under investigation.

In a statement, Lt. Colonel Steve Merritt of The Salvation Army’s Great Lakes Division said the organization was “profoundly heartbroken” over the tragedy.
“We lift up in prayer all who are affected — especially the individual involved, their loved ones, and the Westland community,” Merritt said, adding that the group is cooperating fully with investigators.

Kroger also expressed condolences, saying the company was “deeply saddened by the incident” and is working closely with police.

For over a century, Salvation Army bell ringers have been a familiar sight outside stores nationwide, raising funds for families in need during the holidays. Now, that tradition is marked by grief in Westland — as a community searches for answers behind a senseless holiday killing.

Source: WXYZ Detroit / The Independent