Father of 2 hit, killed by shoplifting suspects leaving Walmart

SUWANEE, Ga. — Police are searching for two shoplifting suspects who police say hit and killed a father of two while driving away from the scene.

Investigators say the pair were trying to steal electronics from the Walmart in Suwanee around 9 p.m. Saturday. They entered the store, filled two carts with expensive items and then walked past the registers to the door. The men were confronted by Walmart police at the door, left empty handed and ran to a rented U-Haul truck.

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As they drove off, police say they hit 42-year-old Christian Gutierrez, who was walking into the store with his wife, son and daughter. Gutierrez was dragged about 100 yards onto Satellite Boulevard and did not survive.

“They were there to go Christmas shopping for the family and this ended up happening,” said Lt. Robert Thompson with the Suwanee Police Department.

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A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family. On the page, it describes Gutierrez as a man full of love and compassion.

“Let me tell you about my cousin Chris Gutierrez. He was the kindest, most decent person you could meet, full of love and compassion. Chris would take any opportunity to help anyone in need. Last week alone, he stopped three times on the highway to help people stranded on the side in their cars. He was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, cousin, and friend. A great human being,” the page says.

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“He was the primary breadwinner. I set up this fund with his family’s consent to help his wife and children with funeral expenses, ongoing grief, recovery, and to help find justice and peace. Thank you so much for your help and support.”