OKLAHOMA CITY – Police have arrested a man for the murder of a convenience store clerk neighbors said was a friend to all he met.
Authorities arrested 28-year-old Michael Deveraux into custody for first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm.
Over week ago, a customer walked into the Four Seasons Gas and Food Convenience Store and found the body of 62-year-old Habib Hajimirzaei.
Customers were shocked that the man many people considered a friend was killed in cold blood.
Corey Thomas said, “We called him ‘Mr. Nice Guy,’ that was his name. It’s sad, man.”
Malik Rashad said, “It has to be someone not from around here because everyone in our neighborhood knows Habib; he’s a good guy.”
The Oklahoma City Police Department’s Homicide Unit released pictures of a man who officers say may have been involved in the robbery of the store and the killing of Hajimirzaei.
RELATED: Police release surveillance photos from convenience store murder
The Official police reports was as follows: Members of the Canadian County Sheriff’s Special Operations Team were activated early Thursday morning after it was determined Oklahoma City homicide suspect Michael Devereaux was held up at a residence in El Reno.
Devereaux, 28 of El Reno, is suspected of a convenience store robbery, and homicide which occurred last week near N.E. 63rd and Kelley in Oklahoma City, and culminated with store clerk, Habib Hajimirzaei being shot in the head.
Oklahoma City Police, who were investigating the homicide passed Devereaux’s location along to the El Reno Police Department after receiving information that he may be hiding out at a residence there. El Reno police officials requested the Canadian County Sheriff’s Special Operations Team be activated in order to execute an arrest warrant which had already been signed by a judge.
The Special Operations Team, consisting of Sheriff’s deputies, Yukon, Mustang and El Reno police officers converged on a home located at 703 Thompson in El Reno and were able to execute a seamless apprehension of Devereaux.
“I’m extremely proud of the cooperative effort of the agencies who make up the Special Operations Team, and it’s because of their dedication and commitment that we’re able to take Devereaux into custody without incident, and return him to Oklahoma County to face charges,” said Randall Edwards, Canadian County Sheriff.
Devereaux was taken into custody and transported to Oklahoma County jail where he is being held in connection with the robbery and homicide. His bond has been denied.
