The GCPD Homicide Unit is investigating a robbery-attempt turned homicide at the O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store on Hamilton Mill Road earlier this evening. At 7:45 PM, officers assigned to the North Precinct were dispatched to a “person shot” call at the auto parts store located at 2786 Hamilton Mill Road in Buford.  When officers arrived, they found a deceased male inside the store.

There were two employees working at the store at the time of the incident.  A female employee was outside assisting a customer when she noticed a black male seated in a vehicle in the parking lot.  Based on the preliminary investigation, the black male followed her back inside when she was done with the customer.  Once they got back inside, the suspect asked her to open the cash drawer. 

The second employee, a male, walked out from the back of the store and saw the interaction between the female and the suspect.  The male employee attempted to pull his weapon when he was shot by the suspect.  The victim died at the scene. 

The suspect fled the store, got into his vehicle, and was last seen driving towards Interstate 85. 

The Crime Scene Unit along with investigators from the Homicide Unit, Robbery Unit, Gang Unit, and the District Attorney’s Office are working together to determine the events of the crime.  It is still unclear if this crime is related to any other events in the area or in the past.  A specific description of the suspect and his vehicle are still being pursued.  Once those details are known, this Media Release will be updated. 

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number:  20-002382