LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) – A 21-year-old man who had recently moved to Polk County from Pennsylvania was shot and killed during an online sales transaction in Lakeland on Sunday night.
Investigators say Jeffrey Morrow Jr. accompanied a friend to the Family Dollar at 1135 South Combee Rd. around 9:45 p.m. on Sunday. The friend was trying to sell something online and had made arrangements with a buyer to meet at the Family Dollar to conduct the sale.
After the seller parked his truck, detectives say a black male approached the vehicle. During the transaction, the suspect snatched the item and took off running.
Morrow and his friend tried to catch up to the suspect. The seller heard gunshots and crouched behind the truck. He then looked under the truck and saw Morrow laying on the ground. The seller ran into the Family Dollar and called 911. Morrow was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
The suspect was described as a black male in his 20s. He was wearing a white or light gray zipped up hooded jacket, a red shirt, and white sneakers. The suspect was last seen running through the Marathon Gas station parking lot just north of the Family Dollar.
Investigators have not released any other information about the case.
Detectives are are seeking any information about this crime. If you have information about this investigation, call the PCSO at 863-298-6200. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).