Relatives name the victim as Alvin Echols, 47; police say the case was not random.
WESTLAND, Mich. — A Salvation Army bell ringer was gunned down during a Thursday evening shift at the Kroger on Ford Road, and Westland police arrested a suspect early Friday after reviewing video and interviewing witnesses, officials said.
Relatives identified the victim as Alvin Echols, a father and community-minded volunteer who often signed up for holiday bell-ringing. Police said the shooting happened shortly after 6 p.m. on Dec. 18 at 36430 Ford Road. Officers found Echols inside the store with multiple gunshot wounds and could not revive him. Investigators said preliminary findings show the victim and the suspect knew each other before the attack. Authorities withheld the suspect’s name pending arraignment and did not release a possible motive. The Salvation Army and Kroger expressed condolences and said they are cooperating with the investigation.
Family members stood outside the store and at their home Friday, stunned by the loss. “It was completely foul to murder him in cold blood,” said Echols’ sister, Amanda Stamper. “Our whole family is torn.” His mother, Mary Echols, said she wants to know why her son was killed while he was “doing God’s work” to help children have a good Christmas. Shoppers described confusion and fear as police rushed in. Detectives said the gunman ran from the scene, triggering an overnight search that ended with an arrest on Friday morning. Police asked for patience as they verify timelines, review footage and prepare case files.
In a statement, The Salvation Army’s Great Lakes Division called the loss “profoundly heartbreaking” and said the organization is working closely with Westland police. Kroger said it was “deeply saddened” and is following law enforcement guidance during the inquiry. Officials did not say what caliber weapon was used or whether a firearm was recovered. Police did not release the suspect’s age, hometown or employment history. No additional victims were reported. The store sits along a busy commercial strip near Central City Parkway, with steady Thursday evening shopping traffic in the days before Christmas.
Echols’ death comes during one of the busiest weeks for the organization’s Red Kettle drive, when volunteers stand near storefronts ringing bells and collecting cash and digital donations. Westland residents who frequent the Ford Road store said they recognized the bell ringer from past seasons. A woman placing a bouquet near the entrance said the killing left her “unsettled,” adding that the sound of the kettle bell was a neighborhood fixture. Local clergy and nonprofit workers said they planned to check on volunteers and offer support to Echols’ family.
Westland police said charging information will be released after the suspect is arraigned in district court, the first step before a possible preliminary exam. Detectives are expected to forward their reports to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Officials have not announced a date for the arraignment. The Salvation Army said it would continue coordinating with store managers about staffing and safety as investigators work. Family members said funeral plans are in the early stages and will be shared after arrangements are set.
As of Sunday, investigators had not disclosed a motive. Police said more details would be available after the suspect’s first court appearance, which is expected in the coming days.
Author note: Last updated December 21, 2025.