A childhood friend of shooting victim Willie Brewer III is asking the public to step up and help Akron Police in locating his killer.

News Channel 5 cameras caught up with Billy-Jean Hawkins, who has known Brewer since preschool.

"It's sad that he had to die so young. He's only a couple months older than me, so it's really crazy that he's already gone," Hawkins explained.

Brewer was shot outside the Mr. Pantry on the corner of Copley Road and Storer Ave last Friday afternoon. A 55-year old man, Alex Watts was also shot.

Watts was able to call 911 after getting hit.  He told the dispatcher he was shot in the stomach getting off the bus heading to the Dollar General.

He is currently receiving treatment at Akron General Medical Center and there is no word yet on his condition.

Hawkins says finds it hard to believe that no one saw the shooting happen.

"It's not like nobody saw it," she said. "They were at a store."

Akron Police say Brewer had been the target of violence in the past.

He was shot in the chest last May while sitting on a porch on Delia Avenue. Two months prior, Brewer filed a police report claiming that two suspects made threats over Facebook to "shoot up" his birthday party.

Authorities are offering a vague description of the suspect in the shooting, saying they are looking for a a black male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

Police are offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect.

On the Web www.newsnet5.com

A 17-year-old boy who was shot and killed in Akron Friday has been identified.

The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office reports Willie Brewer III of Akron was shot following an altercation outside the Mr. Pantry at the corner of Copley Road and Storer Ave around 3:30 p.m.

Akron Police Lieutenant Rick Edwards tells AkronNewsNow.com that Brewer was taken to Akron General Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

An autopsy is scheduled for today.

A 55-year-old man was also shot and taken to Akron General Hospital. No word on the older victim's condition.

Police say no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau.

Previous Coverage: 

• UPDATE: Akron Police Investigate Double Shooting