Former NFL lineman shot outside Lithonia car wash

By Larry Hartstein and Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Former NFL offensive lineman Gerald Perry was shot after an argument broke out in front of a Lithonia car wash Monday afternoon.

The victim did not start the argument and detectives believe he was "an innocent party," DeKalb County Police spokeswoman Mekka Parish said.

The victim was sitting in a car when he was shot; a female passenger was not hurt. Police said the victim was in moderate condition at a local hospital. "His injuries are non-life threatening," Parish said.

Perry, originally from Columbia, S.C., played in the NFL for Denver, the Rams and Raiders. His eight-year career ended in 1995.

The suspect who shot him apparently fled by car. Police did not release a description of the vehicle.

JC Food Mart owner Montez Tayler was inside when the shooting started.

" I heard three or four gunshots," he told the AJC. "I didn't even see anybody."

The store and car wash are located in the 6600 block of Hillandale Drive.