Man shot at Cedar Rapids gas station dies, police investigating death as a homicide

CEDAR RAPIDS - The man shot early Wednesday at a convenience store on First Avenue East has died, and police are investigating his death as a homicide.

Reginald L. Ward Jr., 27, of Moline, Ill., died at 4:40 a.m. Thursday at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke's Hospital, public safety spokesperson Greg Buelow said Thursday.

The state medical examiner's office will conduct an autopsy. No arrests have been made.

Police were called to the Kum & Go at 3134 First Ave. NE at 7:52 a.m. Wednesday, where they found Ward with life-threatening injuries. Officers also found shell casings.

Buelow said a silver, possibly four-door, vehicle was seen leaving the scene and heading west on First Avenue.

Police said the shooting likely was not random but are releasing no further details.

'This is an active, ongoing homicide investigation,” Buelow said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact police at (319) 286-5491 or Linn County Crime Stoppers at 1-(800) 272-7463.

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