"A real tragedy:" Gas station employee killed with baseball bat during struggle with shoplifting suspect

MILWAUKEE -- An employee at the BP gas station near 26th and Lisbon died during a confrontation with a shoplifting suspect Thursday morning, January 5th.

The gas station employee, identified as Harjinder Singh, was 34 years old, and died from injuries suffered during a struggle with the suspect. Police on Thursday confirmed the weapon that ended his life was a baseball bat.

"I was on my way to work and it's just -- again, and again, and again. It's a new year and someone else has lost a family member. It's sad. It really is," said Marva Baker, business owner.

This was the third homicide in five days in Milwaukee as we begin 2017.

Homicide at gas station near 26th & Lisbon

Investigators say around 9:00 a.m., a male suspect stole something from the gas station and the gas station employee chased after him. Outside, there was a struggle, and the 34-year-old employee suffered fatal injuries.

Homicide at gas station near 26th & Lisbon

"Milwaukee -- wake up! Our sons and daughters are dying on these streets and this is not right. No one would lose anyone, enough is enough," said Baker.

Across the street from the gas station is Dep's Hall of Fades Barbershop and Beauty Salon. Employees there said they knew the victim and were shocked when they learned what occurred.

"I would go to the gas station for orange juice and coffee and I would see him behind the counter. It was a real tragedy that happened, you know?" said Darrell Pate, Dep's Hall of Fades owner.

Homicide at gas station near 26th & Lisbon

Alisha Graham said she and the victim had nicknames for each other and would go out of their way to say hello.

Homicide at gas station near 26th & Lisbon

"We would shine a light through the window at each other -- like a little beam and say 'hi,' you know? It's like a silent understanding," said Graham.

The gas station opened for customers shortly after noon on Thursday.

It's not known yet who the baseball bat belonged to.

The search continues for the suspect.