Brothers wanted after murder at Tacoma gas station

TACOMA, Wash. — Eyewitnesses helped Tacoma police investigate after a shooting Monday in a crowded convenience store parking lot.

“He was at the AM-PM there shooting up the car and then he walked down the street, we started chasing,” said William Miller.

Miller said he watched from across the street as a man walked up to the car shortly after it parked in front of the store and opened fire.

On Wednesday, police identified the suspect as Robert Grott, 29.

Tacoma police say Robert is likely traveling with his younger brother, Rashaad Grott.

Robert is charged with murder and Rashaad is charged with rendering criminal assistance -- for likely driving his brother to California after the shooting.

“He pulled out the gun and he started unloading,” said Miller. "He walked back a few more feet, put in another clip, walked back again and started unloading that clip again.”

Police say a man in his 20s inside the car died from multiple gunshot wounds. Bullet holes peppered the car and windows.

On Tuesday, the victim was identified as 23-year-old Julian Thomas.

Witnesses told investigators the men had some sort of an argument a few blocks from the Arco AM-PM store.

“We don’t know any connection between the victim and the shooter at this point in time,” said police spokesperson Officer Loretta Cool.

Tacoma police say it's not clear what the motive was for the killing.

Miller says he and a friend followed the shooter and pointed him out to police. He says the man appeared angry as he opened fire.

“He was just standing there blowing up like he was really mad about something. He just walked up to the car and started blowing it away.”

Cox Media Group