( CNN ) -- A Salvation Army major was shot dead in front of his three children on Christmas Eve in North Little Rock , Arkansas , authorities said . Maj. Philip Wise , 40 , was gunned down Thursday . He was found lying by the back entrance of a Salvation Army facility , said police spokesman Sgt . Terry Kuykendall . Wise apparently dropped two bell ringers off at home and returned to the Salvation Army building with his three children , ages 4 , 6 and 8 . Two men carrying handguns approached them and demanded money before shooting Wise , Kuykendall said . The suspects fled on foot . Police received a 911 call at 4:17 p.m. Pulaski County Coroner Garland Camper said Wise 's wife , Cindy , made the call from inside the building . `` My heart goes out for the family , losing their dad , and I guess having to witness it during this time of year , '' Camper told CNN affiliate KARK . `` It 's definitely going to be hard on the kids . '' Wise had been active in the Salvation Army for 16 years and was assigned to the Baring Cross neighborhood of North Little Rock for the past three years . Area Commander Maj. Harvey Johnson said the Salvation Army will hold a news conference on Christmas Day . `` We would hope that whoever the perpetrators are would step forward , '' he said . The Salvation Army , an international movement , is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church . It is perhaps best known for its donation centers and bell ringers who collect money for the needy during the holiday season .
Maj . Philip Johnson , 40 , is gunned down in front of his three children . Police : Three men carrying guns kill dad , kids and demanded money . Coroner : ` ` My heart goes out for the family '' Shooting happens Christmas Eve in North Little Rock , Arkansas .