Friends of a comic-book store owner shot in an apparent robbery said they can't understand why the shop would be a target.
David Pirkola is in critical but stable condition in a local hospital, said Stephen Jahner, who owns Apparitions Comics and Books with Pirkola.
"People open comic stores because they love comics and are lucky if they can make a living," Jahner said. "It's not like we ever have a lot of cash in the store. It's just unbelievable."
Kentwood police said a man entered the store at 2757 Ridgemoor Drive SE around 7 p.m. and demanded money, shot Pirkola and fled.
Jahner said Saturday he has known Pirkola for decades.
"He's just a sweet guy, one of the nicest people you'll ever meet," he said. "He's the kind of guy you want watching your back."
[From Friend: Comic store owner critically hurt in shooting - Latest News - The Grand Rapids Press - MLive.com]
That's where I buy Knights of the Dinner Table and PvP every month. There are few places I can think of less likely for a robbery an shooting. I heard about this late Friday night in the news and I still can't believe it. Dave's a totally nice guy. Robbing a comic book store? Robbing Dave's comic book store? And shooting? And now Dave's in the hospital in critical condition for a gunshot wound? It's terrible and it doesn't make any sense.
2 comments:
That's awful news. The Princess and I used to buy comics from Dave when we lived in Kentwood.
And it will probably get worse for Dave, since small business owners in marginalized industries rarely have health insurance.
Anyone looking for money at a comic shop is a fool.
Looks like Dave's got a lot of people in his corner. This kind of thing happens rarely enough to comic shop people that a lot of people are taking notice.
http://ifanboy.com/content/articles/Fund_Raising_to_Help_David_Pirkola__Comics_Retailer
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