Police have arrested one of two men believed to be responsible for a shooting inside a Douglasville Best Buy on Monday afternoon.
Authorities said 39-year-old Arnaldo Rodriguez and another man opened fire inside the busy store as a “distraction” so they could steal nearly $5,000 worth of merchandise.
When customers and employees fled the store, the men stole drones and a laptop before running out with everyone else, Douglasville police spokesman Maj. J.R. Davidson said.
RELATED: Suspect at large after shots fired inside Douglasville Best Buy
Rodriguez was arrested Tuesday evening in Atlanta, but authorities are still searching for his alleged accomplice. It’s unclear which suspect actually fired the weapon into the store’s ceiling, Davidson said.
Davidson said this is the first time he’s heard of shoplifters firing a gun inside a crowded store to create a distraction.
Rodriguez faces one felony count of theft by taking, but additional charges are possible. He remains held at the Douglas County jail without bond.
Police are looking to identify the second suspect, who appears to have blue or green braids, a goatee and a tattoo of a rifle on his neck.
Credit: Douglasville Police Department
Credit: Douglasville Police Department
Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call Douglasville Detective Dave Watson at 678-293-1697 or email him at watsond@douglasvillega.gov.
— Please return to AJC.com for updates.
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