According to Alpharetta police, a 57-year-old man attempted to rob the store manager at gunpoint. This violent confrontation was witnessed, however, by another man who had just pulled up to order fast food.
That man was also armed.
It was closing time, and the manager was making his way through the parking lot when the armed suspect allegedly approached him and tried to rob him. Police Lt. Andrew Splawn recounted the details.
“An independent witness observed the robbery in progress and intervened in the robbery and shot the suspect after the suspect pointed his firearm at the witness and the victim,” he said.
The now-wounded alleged assailant attempted to flee into nearby woods, but police arrived and set up a perimeter. When officers found him, they learned that he had been shot twice in the leg.
The suspect was taken to the hospital where he remains at last report. He faces numerous charges including armed robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The obviously rattled manager was checked out at the hospital for superficial injuries.
After the dust settled, witnesses expressed their relief for the bystander’s actions. Shameerah Bates said, “I’m glad somebody was there to help the people who could have been a victim.”
Another Zaxby’s customer, Angie Trapino, said she was grateful that the unidentified man intervened. “People do stupid stuff, and there’s consequences.”
Meanwhile, police already confirmed that the bystander who courageously intervened will likely not face charges.
Lt. Splawn explained, “Georgia law allows a person to use reasonable force to protect themselves or a third party when they believe an individual or themselves is going to suffer serious bodily harm or death. We do believe this is going to be a defensive third-party incident, so at this time we don’t anticipate any charges for the witness.”
