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.”
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.
UPDATE: Friends of Dave’s have set up a donation page so people who want to help out can do so.