Police search for 2 after security guard shoots, kills would-be robber

CONCORD, N.C. — Concord police said they will consult with the district attorney before deciding if a security guard will face charges in the shooting death of a man who was trying to rob a sweepstakes parlor Tuesday night.

Police say Abdur Muhammad, 32, of Hillsboro, was one of two men who walked into the Big Dawg sweepstakes parlor on Union Cemetery Road around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday intending to rob it, when a security guard confronted them.

“The security guard fired shots. The one suspect is deceased; the other one fled on foot,” Maj. Doug Wilhelm said.

On Thursday, police identified two suspects they were searching for in connection to the incident: 25-year-old Javon Randolph and 31-year-old Deontre Evans.

A sign on the door said the sweepstakes business was closed Wednesday but people who live and work nearby said they had seen trouble coming at the business, which was open late into the night and dealt only in cash.

“I think it's horrible,” said a woman who did not want to be identified. “The place that's here -- ever since they've moved in, it's been nothing but trouble.”

Tina Lefler, who owns the salon next door, said she’s not the only one who was worried.

“We're just all concerned because our safety is at stake too,” Lefler said. “I service a whole lot of families and sometimes there's families of five, six people who come in, small children and older people. It just kind of makes you leery.”

Concord police have had their own concerns about the sweepstakes business, which is one of only a handful still operating in the area.

In November, officers charged the owner of Big Dawg, Patricia Newton, with operating an illegal sweepstakes business.

Court records show authorities were back in January with a search warrant because, they said, Newton was operating 59 gaming machines illegally.

They arrested Newton, who is now facing felony charges that are still pending.

Police have not identified the security guard involved in Tuesday night’s shooting.

Eyewitness News tried to reach Newton but she did not return a phone call.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Concord Police Department (704) 920-5000 or Cabarrus County Crime Stoppers (704) 93-CRIME.

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