TUCSON, Ariz. — A deadly late-night encounter at a south-side 7-Eleven has left a Tucson community grieving and reigniting urgent conversations about the dangers faced by retail employees. Scott Dwayne Kennedy, 55, was shot and killed Thursday night after confronting a suspected shoplifter inside the store where he worked.
According to Tucson Police Department investigators, the incident unfolded when Kennedy confronted a male shoplifter. During the encounter, the suspect produced a firearm and shot Kennedy before fleeing the store on foot. Emergency responders performed life-saving measures, but Kennedy succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The suspect remains at large Friday morning. Detectives are scouring surveillance footage from the store and surrounding businesses but have not released a description, stating the investigation is in its critical early stages. They are appealing to the public for any information from witnesses or those who may have seen someone fleeing the area.
Kennedy’s death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of customers and fellow shift workers. Flowers and handwritten notes began appearing outside the 7-Eleven Friday, with tributes describing him as a hardworking, dedicated employee who took pride in his job.
“He was just a good guy, always had a smile, always asked how your day was,” said Maria Santos, a regular customer. “He didn’t deserve this. No one does for just doing their job.”
The tragedy has amplified longstanding concerns about the safety of retail and convenience store employees, particularly those working overnight shifts who are often the first line of defense against theft. Industry advocates point to a rise in confrontational and violent shoplifting incidents nationwide, putting underpaid staff in impossible positions.
“This is a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,” said Luis Garcia, a spokesperson for a local retail workers’ union. “Employees like Scott are not security guards. They’re there to stock shelves and ring up customers. They should never feel compelled or obligated to physically confront a thief, especially when corporate policies often discourage it, yet the pressure to prevent loss falls on them. This case highlights the desperate need for better security measures, conflict de-escalation training, and a societal shift in how we value these essential workers.”
The Tucson Police Department reiterated official guidance in the wake of the shooting. “While we understand the frustration, we strongly advise employees and citizens not to confront shoplifting suspects,” said TPD Sgt. Amy Ramirez. “Property is not worth a life. Please be a good witness, note descriptions, and call 911. Let us handle the apprehension.”
As detectives continue their manhunt, the community is left to mourn a man remembered for his diligence and kindness, killed in a violent escalation of a common crime. The search for his killer continues, with police urging anyone with information to contact the Tucson Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to 88-CRIME.