WILMINGTON, N.C. -- A coastal man is dead after police say he was assaulted at the Safe Way Food Market in the 3300 block of Wrightsville Avenue in Wilmington earlier this week.

Family members said it all happened after 58-year-old Alan Pearson tried to help a woman he believed was being abused by her boyfriend.

Police say the couple had just walked into the market Monday around 11 p.m. when 31-year-old Hakeem Sanders assaulted his girlfriend. A clerk called 911 and Pearson asked the woman not to go back outside.

Sanders overheard Pearson's request and proceeded to assault him. 

Pearson was taken off of life support Wednesday night.

Family members said they are having a hard time coping with the sudden loss.

“I feel like I’ve been run over by a mack truck. I don’t know which way to go. My brother was my best friend. We were very close,” said David Pearson.

Hakeem Sanders has been charged with second degree murder and is in jail tonight under a $1 million bond.
Hakeem Sanders

Hakeem Sanders has been charged with second degree murder and is in jail on a $1 million bond.

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