AKRON, Ohio — Damario McCall, 41, is on the run after allegedly shooting and killing 26-year-old Ar’mon Covington at a gas station in Akron, Ohio early Sunday morning.
The tragic incident occurred at about 4:15 a.m. outside a BP gas station on Grant Street. Authorities are asking the public to come forward with any information that could lead to McCall’s capture.
The Deadly Incident
According to the Akron Police Department, McCall had been harassing women in the parking lot of the gas station when Ar’mon Covington attempted to intervene. Police say McCall, after being confronted by Covington, pulled out a firearm and shot him multiple times at close range.
Covington was found by officers at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Following the shooting, McCall reportedly fled the scene in a red SUV. Police have since issued warrants for his arrest, charging him with murder, illegal possession of a weapon, and carrying a concealed weapon.
McCall is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 195 pounds, and was last seen wearing glasses with thick prescription lenses. Authorities have warned that McCall should be considered armed and dangerous.
The Victim’s Family Speaks Out
The killing has left Ar’mon Covington’s family devastated. Na’Tosha Covington, Ar’mon’s mother, spoke to the media about the profound loss, saying, “It’s unexplainable… this is a different kind of hurt. He was my only son and youngest child.”
Na’Tosha also expressed her anguish over the senseless nature of the murder, asking, “What in your right mind made you feel like ‘I’m God today and I’m going to take your life’?” She continued by urging authorities to capture McCall and prevent him from causing further harm.
“I just really hope that they catch this guy and get him off the street; keep him from harassing other women, from hurting other people,” she said. “I don’t want any other mother, father, family member to have to go through this.”
McCall’s Criminal History
Reports indicate that McCall had been released from prison earlier this year after serving time since 2009, according to the Ohio Department of Corrections. The fact that McCall was involved in another violent crime just months after his release has raised concerns about his ability to re-enter society safely.
Law Enforcement’s Response
Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy described the shooting as a “horrible” crime, pointing out the cold, calculated nature of the incident. “The suspect shot our victim at close range and walked away like it was nothing,” Lt. Murphy told Cleveland’s ABC affiliate, WEWS.
The Akron Police are continuing their investigation and working with various law enforcement agencies to locate Damario McCall. They urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.
