‘Give me the video’: Armed man shot dead by Valdosta store clerk after shooting incident
A deadly shooting at a Valdosta convenience store unfolded after an armed man allegedly shot another person, continued firing as the victim fled and then threatened a store employee while demanding surveillance footage. Police say the clerk acted in self-defense and will not face charges.
VALDOSTA, Ga. — A violent confrontation outside a Valdosta convenience store turned deadly when a gunman allegedly shot another man, continued firing as the wounded victim fled and then stormed inside the business demanding surveillance footage — only to be fatally shot by a store employee who feared for his life.
Valdosta police say surveillance video and other evidence confirm the employee acted in self-defense and will not face criminal charges.
The violence erupted around 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at a convenience store in the 1300 block of North Troup Street.
Gunman shoots victim, continues firing as he flees
According to the Valdosta Police Department, a 53-year-old man was outside the store drinking alcohol and carrying a handgun when he became involved in an altercation with a 38-year-old man. Investigators say the older man pulled his weapon and opened fire. Even as the 38-year-old ran from the store, the gunman continued shooting at him.
Inside the business, an employee heard the gunfire and rushed behind the counter for protection while attempting to activate the door locks. But the armed man entered the store before the employee could secure it.
Police say the gunman began yelling threats at the clerk while holding his firearm and demanding the store’s surveillance video. Fearing for his life, the employee pulled his own gun and fired multiple shots, stopping the threat.
Gunman dies, wounded victim survives
Responding officers found the 53-year-old lying on the store floor with multiple gunshot wounds and a handgun beside him. Officers immediately began lifesaving measures before South Georgia Emergency Medical Services and the Valdosta Fire Department arrived. The man was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Meanwhile, police received a second 911 call reporting another gunshot victim inside a vehicle near North Ashley Street and Rosedale Drive. Investigators determined that victim was the 38-year-old man who had been shot outside the convenience store. Lowndes County deputies helped get him to the hospital. Police confirmed he was treated and released.
Surveillance video confirms employee’s account. Valdosta detectives and crime scene investigators examined surveillance footage and collected evidence to reconstruct the deadly confrontation. According to police, the evidence showed the 53-year-old initiated the gunfire outside the store before entering the business and threatening the employee.
Investigators determined the clerk fired because he reasonably feared for his life. The employee has not been charged with any offense.
Police seek witnesses who fled scene. Investigators also discovered surveillance footage showing several people approaching the store after the shooting and recording the wounded man lying on the floor.
Police say those individuals fled when they heard approaching sirens. Detectives are working to identify them and determine whether they have information relevant to the investigation.
Police Chief Leslie Manahan criticized the decision to record the aftermath rather than remain to assist investigators. “If you witness a possible life-threatening incident, the priority should be getting the person help and providing truthful information to law enforcement,” Manahan said.
Deadly confrontation remains under investigation. Authorities have not released the identities of the deceased gunman or the surviving victim….