More charges filed in West Side shooting

Police on Thursday filed additional charges against an 18-year-old Culpeper man suspected of robbing and shooting a convenience store clerk Wednesday morning.

Stephen R. Leavell, of the 200 block of East Williams Street, is charged with aggravated malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, wearing a mask, use of a sawed-off shotgun and cutting, stabbing or wounding in the commission of a felony. Leavell also faces a charge of armed robbery.

Authorities said a problem with the magistrate’s computer system prevented them from filing all the charges Wednesday.

Leavell is being held without bond and is due in General District Court Dec. 2 at 11 a.m., according to court records.

West Side Grocery manager Alex Ashrifeh said the shooting victim, 49-year-old Imad Abdo, is “in a lot of pain.” A University of Virginia Medical Center spokeswoman said Thursday afternoon that Abdo was in fair condition.

Ashrifeh said Abdo has worked at the store for more than four years. Right now, he said, doctors aren’t sure if Abdo will regain the use of his arm or hand.

Ashrifeh expressed appreciation for all the emergency workers and members of the community who have come forward to express their concern and convey good wishes to Abdo.

“I really appreciate everybody,” he said. “The county, the state, the town, everyone that was here. I appreciate all their help.”

Authorities say the incident began around 10:20 Wednesday morning, when Leavell is suspected of entering the store at 519 Sperryville Pike. Leavell apparently displayed the gun and demanded money from Abdo. At some point during the confrontation, police say Abdo sprayed Leavell with mace and Leavell shot Abdo in the right shoulder before fleeing. Another customer came to his aid until paramedics arrived.

Sheriff’s deputies and the Virginia State Police assisted town officers in the investigation, which slowed traffic for several hours and prompted nearby Yowell Elementary School to initiate a precautionary lockdown as a police helicopter circled overhead and officers panned out in the neighborhood.

The violent assault didn’t interrupt the steady stream of regular customers who were coming and going at the store shortly after it reopened Thursday around 1:30 p.m.

“I think it’s great that he sprayed him with mace,” one customer said after paying for her gas.

Behind the counter, Ashrifeh pointed out a half-dozen items — signs, balloons, cards and a stuffed animal — left at the store by concerned residents.

“We are in constant prayer,” read one hand-lettered sign on bright green poster board. “All will go well under God’s guidance.”

“Zero tolerance,” read another. “I hope justice is swift and unmerciful.”