PETERSBURG, Va. -- A Chesterfield man was shot and killed outside a 7-Eleven at 701 South Crater Road in Petersburg early Thursday morning.
The victim, identified by police as 24-year-old Michael Ward of Chesterfield, was shot multiple times, according to witnesses.
Witnesses said they saw a fight start among a group of people hanging out just after 2 a.m. in the 7-Eleven parking lot.
Michael Ward was shot and killed at the 7-Eleven in Petersburg Thursday.
"A crowd of about 10 people were over there playing music, hanging out, and chit catting," a witness, who asked not to be identified, said. "Next thing you know it turned into a young man being gunned down over a small disagreement for no reason."
When someone tried to break up the fight, the witness said he heard multiple shots fired.
"There was about seven to eight gunshots that went off," he remembered. "I was in shock myself for a moment when I heard multiple people screaming for people to call the ambulance so I took it upon myself to call 911."
Officers found Ward lying near the gas pump. He was taken to Southside Regional Medical Center where he died from his injuries, according to Lt. Greg Geist.
It's unclear what sparked the argument.
People who live nearby described the area between the 7-Eleven parking lot and Flagship Inn as a popular late-night hangout spot.
"At least four nights a week, especially on the weekends, is where everyone comes to when the clubs let out," one remarked.
Lt. Geist said detectives described the shooter as a black man wearing all black clothing. They hoped to gather evidence from the gas station's surveillance cameras posted at the entrance.
Police are continuing to search for evidence and speaking to all potential witnesses that were present during this shooting.
Ward's death was the city's second homicide of 2017.
If you have any information or believe that you heard or saw anything in that area, please contact the Petersburg/Dinwiddie Crime Solvers at 804-861-1212 or text the keyword pdcash followed by the tip and send to 274637.
This is a developing story. Witnesses can submit news tips and photos here.
