CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police have identified the victim shot and killed at Brooks' Sandwich House Monday morning as co-owner Scott Allen Brooks.
Around 4:45 a.m., Brooks, 61, was opening the store when he was confronted by an unknown, armed person outside the NoDa restaurant.
Officers and Medic provided aid but Brook died of his injuries.
Police said there is no known motive at this time and no arrests have been made. There are security cameras at the business but it's unclear if they caught anything.
Scott Brooks and his twin brother David run the three-generation, family-owned Brooks' Sandwich House originally opened in 1973 by their father. The cash-only restaurant is known in the community for its burgers, hot dogs, and chili.
"They're wonderful people," one man said.
He was visiting Brooks's Sandwich House on Monday.
"I'm trembling now," the man said. "It's hurting."
Flowers are being placed outside the restaurant by loyal customers, friends, and family.
"Anyone who knows Charlotte, knows that that place is a staple of the community," Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Major Dave Robinson said Monday morning outside the restaurant. "It's an iconic kind of place and a landmark."
The small, standalone restaurant is located north of Charlotte at 2710 North Brevard Street near North Davidson Street.
The NoDa community is remembering their neighbor.
"It hits home hard," one woman told NBC Charlotte, later adding, "It's sad what's going on in the city of Charlotte. It's like every day we lose another life to murder."
A GoFundMe memorial fund was made in honor of Scott Brooks. Proceeds will go toward funeral expenses and college funds for his son. Within two hours of the fund's creation Monday, over 190 donors raised more than $10,000. In less than 24 hours, they had exceeded the $20,000 goal.
A candlelight vigil in memory of Scott Brooks will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Brooks' Sandwich House.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-16000. Tips can be left anonymously and anyone who provides information leading to an arrest is eligible for a $5,000 reward.
