GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — One man is dead following an altercation that led to a shootout at a Gwinnett County gas station and now police are searching for the person who shot him.
Police said they responded to calls of a person shot just after 12:40 p.m. When they got there, police said they found the man dead behind a Shell gas station located on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard at Jimmy Carter Boulevard.
Officer Hideshi Valle of Gwinnett County Police said the shootout began at the pumps where a car was shot in the crossfire. Police are unsure if the car that was hit by gunfire was one driven by the victim or suspect or if it was an innocent bystander's car.
She said there is currently no motive for what led to the deadly altercation.
Crystal Reyes works at a business nearby.
"I heard what sounded like fireworks but I realized it wasn't fireworks because it's not a holiday," Reyes said.
When Reyes heard the gunshots she said she took cover.
"My whole area over there has bullet-proof glass, but you can never be too safe," Reyes said. "So the first thing was to duck and wait it out."
Several of the other surrounding businesses were closed or have closed down for the day following what happened. Reyes says there were a few customers in the store, but no other injuries have been reported. However, there are shattered glass and bullet holes in a few cars and businesses surrounding the station.
The Shell station has a camera.
Valle explained they are currently in the process of trying to gather surveillance video. She encourages the public to contact detectives or Crime Stoppers if they have any information on the potential suspect or suspects.
"Very little is known about the victim and or what happened," Valle said. "Detectives are exploring all motives and hoping to gather as much information as possible from local businesses and citizens around the area."
There were a lot of shell casings at the scene and "lots of evidence," according to Valle. She said it's not yet known how many weapons in total were involved. Valle also described it as a large crime scene.
Despite the shooting happening at the pumps, the man was found dead behind the gas station, police said.
Homicide detectives were on the scene for hours trying to determine what led up to the shooting.
Reyes says she's worked there for two years and says this never happens.
"So, it was a first-time experience and I hope I never experience it again," Reyes said.
11Alive is working to obtain more information. We will update you as it comes in.
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