Cherokee Tribal Police investigating murder of woman at Fairfield Inn & Suites www.privateofficer.com

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CHEROKEE, N.C. –Oct 32012Cherokee Tribal Police tell 7 On Your Side they areinvestigating a robbery and homicide at hotel on the Cherokee IndianReservation. 
Dispatchers say a local resident reported shots fired around10:00 p.m. near homes on Reuben Taylor Road.
Officials say a Cherokee Tribal Police Officer found76-year-old Barbara Preidet, of Shelbyville, Indiana, shot in the front of theFairfield Inn & Suites, 568 Paint Town Road, which is near Reuben Taylor Road. Other officers andthe Tribal EMS responded to the scene, but Preidet was pronounced dead.
“This is a tragic situation and our department will utilizeall available resources to solve this crime," said Cherokee Indian PoliceChief Ben Reed. "This is a cowardly act and the person responsible will bebrought to justice. Please pray for all of the people involved."
Witnesses tell police a person with a black mask and dark clothinggrabbed a purse from the Preidet and fired a weapon. Officers believe theperson they are looking for toward a light blue or gray full size truck,possibly a Ford or Dodge extended cab.
The truck drove traveling north on US 19 toward Maggie Valley.
“I am shocked by the events which occurred last night inCherokee," said Principal Chief Michel Hicks.
"Senseless violence is unacceptable in any communityand I am committed to supporting the Cherokee Indian Police Department inlocating the suspect in this crime and bringing them to justice. I also want toexpress my heartfelt sympathy to the family of the victim. Our Nation willcontinue to remember the family in prayer during this time.”
The Cherokee Tribal Police, Jackson County Sheriff’sDepartment and the NC SBI are investigating the incident as a homicide stemmingfrom an apparent robbery.