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Miami Tire Shop Owner Shot In Head

MIAMI (CBS4)- Stunned customers and employees gathered outside a Miami tire shop after the owner was found shot in the head Thursday.

Meanwhile, Miami-Dade Police continue to search for a suspect, or suspects, after the man was shot in the head at the Miami tire shop he owns.

According to Miami-Dade County Police the shooting happened at Devonaire Service and Tire at the corner of 112th Street and SW 122nd Avenue. The 46-year-old victim, Paul Barrow, is in critical condition and may not survive.

Barrow, who is married and has children, has co-owned the shop for years and is well-loved in the community.

"Paul, who is probably the most honest mechanic you would want to know… we used to use his services," customer Jodie Crieger said. "Someone shot him this morning. All I know he was shot in the head."

Chris Covoletski, a friend of Barrow, said he would offer his services for free if customers didn't have the money for the repairs.

"He's (Barrow) a community person, he sponsors baseball teams and he helps people who have no money," Covoletski said. "The people who have no money, he does it (the work) for free."

Barrow's body was discovered by a customer who came to the shop. The customer saw him lying critically wounded on the floor near the store's office.

He was described by friends and coworkers as a kind man, almost to a fault.

"If someone needed the money, he would've given it to them," Covoletski said. "There's just no need to shoot this guy."

Detective Alvaro Zabaleta is asking the public for their assistance in finding the shooter or shooters.

"I want the community to think back on anything they may have seen, a vehicle speeding off, somebody running," Zabaleta said.

Miami-Dade Police expect that the case will become a murder investigation. Robbery is among possible motives.

If you have any information about the shooting, call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

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