| Updated: 7/18/2012 9:26 am |
Published: 7/17/2012 11:04 pm
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Three days after a shooting at a Midtown Best Buy, the store opened its doors.
It had been boarded up after a bullet went through the glass door. Around 9:20 am the store opened its doors.
Graydon “Wesley” Brown, 58, was gunned down by a stray bullet in a gang shooting in the parking lot.
He was inside the store shopping with his ten-year-old daughter.
The general manager didn’t want a trace of evidence as it is still traumatic for customers, employees and even him.
He said his team of employees has built a level of teamwork that’s above what is expected.
"Pretty remarkable to watch,” said Skelly Drive Best Buy General Manager Brett Koppe.
He was in the middle of the store around 2pm Saturday afternoon when he heard a loud noise.
"Something fell over, 'let me go check it out.' Then immediately it was 'pop, pop', it was something different,” said Koppe. “I saw Mr. Brown fall thinking that was noise turns out it was the gunfire from the store."
Customers came rushing and employees helped get everyone out of the back door.
"They went above and beyond what any employee should be asked to do that day,” said Koppe. "Not putting themselves in harms way to make sure the customers were taken care of."
Koppe said he then waited with Mr. Brown’s daughter. She just witnessed her father’s murder. They were shopping for her mom’s birthday gift.
"I have a daughter pretty much her age. That's the toughest part,” said Koppe.
No one could predict this happening. Shoppers have been patient.
"They needed to have their time. It was something they need work with so it was understanding,” said customer Melissa Hawkins.
Others said they will show their support by continuing to shop at the store.
"I wanted to come out and support the store and help them get back to normal,” said customer Jim Ford.
Employees were also compensated for days missed while the store was closed and were offered grief counseling.
Brown’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 1 pm at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.
Instead of flowers for the Brown family, they have set up an education fund for Brown’s daughter. Donations can be made to the Madeline Rose Brown fund at any Bank of Oklahoma Branch.
