Tacoma police release photo of gunman in gas station slaying

A man shot fatally at a Tacoma gas station on Monday was identified as Julian Thomas, 23, and police released a surveillance photograph of the gunman hoping someone can help identify the attacker.

Police are searching for the gunman who opened fire about 12:30 p.m. at the Arco gas station at 3601 Center St.

A hail of bullets broke out the back window of Thomas’ Chevrolet Impala sedan, which was parked in front of an AM-PM store at the station.

Thomas, who was in the front seat, died at the scene.

Bullets hit the store and shattered its front windows, but no one inside was hurt.

Witnesses called 911 to report the shooting. At least two people briefly followed the gunman, who rode a skateboard, then ran down Center Street.

Officers detained a man about a half mile from the shooting but released him, saying he wasn’t the gunman.

Police described the gunman as a black man in his mid-20s with long hair, about 5 feet 9 with a medium build.

He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black cargo pants, a green hat with yellow writing and black shoes similar to Chuck Taylor Converse.

He is considered armed and dangerous.

The gunman was seen fleeing with a skateboard, which detectives found near the scene.

The motive for the shooting is unclear and police don’t if there is a connection between the men, police spokeswoman Loretta Cool said.

This story was originally published February 2, 2016 at 7:15 AM with the headline "Tacoma police release photo of gunman in gas station slaying."