The owner of a popular convenience store was arrested today on charges related to stolen property.

Atif “Big Al” Alzer, who runs a store at 1001 Jackson Street which bears his name was charged by Roanoke Rapids police with possessing and concealing stolen property and obtaining property by false pretense.

Police cars surround the establishment.

Captain Andy Jackson said state Alcohol Law Enforcement Agent Tim Parker charged Alzer with criminal activity at a licensed alcohol premises.

Jackson would only say the case involved property stolen from a break-in in the mill village.

He declined to say what the property was and why Alzer allegedly had it.

Asked if ALE’s involvement meant there could be nuisance abatement proceedings in the case, Jackson said, “We will be reviewing all options.”

A shooting outside the convenience store in August left the victim in stable condition and the alleged shooter in jail.

Rynel Tyreek Gaines, 20, of Gaston, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and discharging a firearm in the city limits.

Deputy Chief Adam Bondarek said Gaines and the victim got into an argument. Gaines allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the victim, whose name police declined to release.

ALE Agent Tim Parker talks on the phone.

During the arrest today, officers pulled up as vendors were stocking items and several customers came to the store to buy things but the doors were locked as they investigated.

Alzer was later escorted from the building in handcuffs and released on $4,000 bond.

Jackson said investigation continues.