A search is underway for a gunman who escaped after shooting and critically injuring someone outside a DeKalb County gas station.
According to DeKalb police Lt. Lonzy Robertson, a 21-year-old man was shot in the back about 7:45 a.m. Thursday outside a Chevron on North Hairston Road.
“The victim was standing in the gas station parking lot when the suspect walked up behind him and began firing,” Robertson said.
The unidentified victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition but is now alert and stable.
The shooter ran north on North Hairston toward an apartment and has not been found, police said.
“We have reason to believe this is drug-related,” Robertson said.
Police dogs and officers are canvassing the area in search of the gunman.
Added Robertson: “We did detain a witness who arrived at the gas station at the same time as the suspect.”
The scene is less than a mile from Hambrick Elementary and Stone Mountain High, and both schools were temporarily placed on lockdowns. Even though the search is ongoing, the lockdowns have been lifted, DeKalb schools spokesman Andre Riley said.
The gunman is believed to be wearing dark clothing and possibly has dreadlocks, police said.
Anyone with information on the shooting or the gunman is asked to call police.
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
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