WANTED: NYPD searches for suspect accused of shooting panhandler to death inside Manhattan 7-Eleven

A New York City panhandler was shot dead inside a 7-Eleven on Thursday when he asked a gunman for cash, authorities said. The unidentified victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the neck and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident occurred around 10:30 am at the Midtown Manhattan store located on 8th Avenue near West 39th Street. The shooter remains at large, according to the NYPD.

The victim had been holding the convenience store door open for customers and asking them for money when the assailant entered the store. Sources told the New York Post that the pair appeared to have known each other, with the shooter allegedly observed muttering something to the vagrant.

Violent chaos ensued when the victim followed the suspect into the store and grabbed a bottle of alcohol off the shelf. The victim allegedly appeared as if he were about to throw the bottle at the gunman, resulting in the shooter opening fire, according to the paper.

Officials described the suspect as someone who was last seen wearing a black face mask, black pants, and a dark green jacket. He fled on foot, heading southbound along 8th Avenue. The shooter was also in possession of a black backpack.

A heavy police presence was outside the store shortly after the shooting. This investigation was ongoing as of Thursday. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.