Authorities Seek Public’s Help In Boise City Shooting
KSCB News - June 18, 2013 8:54 pm
Law enforcement have been working diligently to identify and locate the man responsible for fatally shooting an Alva, Okla., man June 12.
And they are asking for the public’s help in doing so.
Charles Nieman, 77, was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Loaf ‘n Jug convenience store in Boise City at around 1 p.m., that day.
Authorities from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation say the suspect in the case is believed to be a Hispanic male, 5’6” to 5’8” tall, of medium build and in his late 20s to early 30s.
He was last seen fleeing the area on foot wearing khaki shorts and a dark colored T-shirt, according to a press release from the OSBI; however, they do not believe he was alone at the time of the shooting.
After viewing surveillance cameras at the store, OSBI agents are also seeking information, they said, regarding a “late 1990s to early 2000s GM extended-cab pickup truck.”
“The suspect in the shooting was allegedly seen getting out of this vehicle just prior to shooting Nieman,” the OSBI said. “The truck was occupied by two other Hispanic males.”
Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle and the suspects a short time later in Southeast Colorado.
“Within one to one and a half hours after the shooting, both the vehicle and suspects were reported in Campo and Springfield, Colo., convenience stores approaching individuals and asking for money to buy fuel,” the OSBI said. “Witnesses at both locations reported the truck had Louisiana license plates. The subjects told one witness that they were traveling to Denver, Colo.”
The shooting suspect reportedly demanded money from Nieman after approaching him in Boise City. When the elderly man either failed to comply or to understand the demand, the gunman shot him twice: once in the head and another in the chest, with a large caliber handgun.
Nieman and his wife, whose name has not been released by authorities, had parked their silver, four-door pickup that was pulling both a camper trailer and another trailer containing a golf cart parallel to the Loaf ‘n Jug prior to the shooting.
Nieman had gone to assist his wife, who is reportedly, “physically handicapped” out of the cab of the couple’s pickup when he was confronted by the shooter.
Nieman’s wife, who authorities said was distraught, was not physically injured in the incident.
After shooting Nieman, the suspect then fled West down a nearby alley.
Nieman was transported to Cimarron Memorial Hospital in Boise City, where authorities said he died a short time later. A LifeStar helicopter was called to the scene, but due to Nieman’s condition, was unable to help.
Nieman’s body was taken to Oklahoma City for an autopsy.
Soon after the shooting, local authorities also began canvassing the area, searching out buildings and some school buses that were parked at a nearby church looking for the shooter.
The Boise City Police Chief requested assistance from the OSBI in investigating the homicide.
The OSBI is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder.
If anyone has information in this case, please call the OSBI hotline at (800) 522-8017.