Douglas W. Cimperman, a 51-year-old white male, was shot and killed on January 16, 2021, while working the night shift at the ZX gas station on Carlyle Avenue in Belleville, Illinois. The shooting happened about 10:40 p.m. during an attempted armed robbery; surveillance footage shows a suspect approach Cimperman with a gun, enter the store and go behind the counter where the cash register is located. Investigators say Cimperman appears to have been a random victim and the suspect fled on foot.

The suspect was described as a black male wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt and black pants. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was called in to assist. CrimeStoppers offered up to a $5,000 reward, and Midwest Petroleum Company, owner of the station, added $10,000 for information leading to an arrest. Detectives continue to urge anyone with tips or relevant surveillance footage from the area to come forward.