Parking enforcement worker gunned down at apartment complex

CHARLOTTE — Someone gunned down a parking enforcement worker Tuesday morning at an apartment complex near North Tryon Street and West Arrowhead Road in northeast Charlotte, police and family said.

Utility worker discovers human remains in Lancaster County

Anthony “A.J” Zellars Jr., 29, of Charlotte, was doing his job at the Townes apartments when he was shot and killed in the parking lot.

Zellars’ family sent Channel 9 a statement that read, in part, “A.J. had a loving spirit and prided himself in working hard to provide for his family. A.J. had a tremendous impact on many lives ... Our hearts are broken as we process this tragedy.”

Officials with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department got a 911 call at about 10:45 a.m.

Officers arrived at the scene and found Zellars lying on the ground next to a car with its trunk still up and a boot on its tire.

Zellars worked for Lot Management Solutions.

Company officials sent Channel 9 a statement that read, in part, “We are deeply saddened by the senseless loss of our dear friend, Anthony.”

They said Zellars was a manager and “a role model to his team — respectable, honest, and genuinely caring.”

It went on to say, “The light he brought into our lives will never be forgotten.”

Zellars graduated from Radford University in Virginia and he had a passion for criminal justice.

It’s not clear what led up to the deadly shooting.

Lot Management Solutions is working with CMPD.

‘Very concerned’

The crime has residents worried.

“I’m very concerned because I just moved here,” said one resident at the Townes Apartments.

She said she woke up from a nap and saw a swarm of police cars.

“I’m very scared,” the resident said.

Investigators hope the public can provide information.

“Here in the city, we want to pride ourselves on keeping our citizens safe, and clearly, people don’t feel safe when you have a situation like this where someone loses their life,” said CMPD Maj. Torri Tellis.

Police talked to several people in the area but need more information to uncover what happened.

There is no word on any arrests.

The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

RELATED VIDEO: Residents don’t feel safe after deadly shooting at apartment complex