Punta Gorda 7-Eleven increases security after employee’s death

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PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- Weeks after a 7-Eleven employee was killed inside a Punta Gorda store, the company is now increasing security.

Eighteen-year-old Kyle Farishian was killed inside the 7-Eleven on Bal Harbor Boulevard and Aqui Esta Drive on Nov. 1.

The city of Punta Gorda and the 7-Eleven company want residents to feel safe again, although police have still not said how Farishian died, or named any suspects.

“I think not knowing, you know, what has happened to him, no leads or anything like that, has made it difficult,” said Carmen Sandy, a local business owner.

Staff at the convenience store will get enhanced training and high-tech security cameras will be installed near the register, door and outside. People who live and work in the community think the change has been a long time coming.

“I think it’s wise because we can see out our back door, out our front, we can see everything up at the counter so we have eyes all around us,” said Sandy.

“Maybe people who do bad things don’t enter the same places that we enter, they come around from the side of the building, etc. More cameras are better,” said resident Larry Bendini.

Two employees will now also work the overnight shift together. Farishian was working alone overnight when he was found dead.

“Well two people, there’s a chance they might survive a situation that’s negative like just happened here,” said Bendini.

“I think that it should have been always two people working a midnight shift or a late shift, there should always be two people to make sure there is safety and security where ever you work,” said Sandy.

Workers outside the 7-Eleven say the store could re-open Tuesday.

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