A man had his holstered gun stolen Thursday afternoon before being fatally shot in Clayton County, police said.
Shannon Watkins entered a Shell gas station in the 500 block of Flint River Road with a holstered weapon on his hip to buy a drink at about 1 p.m., Clayton police said. While the 37-year-old waited in line, another man entered the store and stood behind Watkins.
That man then grabbed Watkins’ gun and ran out of the store, according to authorities.
“In an attempt to defend his property, Mr. Watkins engaged in a struggle with the suspect, which led to several shots being fired at Mr. Watkins,” police said.
As Watkins tried to flee from the gunfire, police said another suspect got out of a vehicle and began firing at the victim. Both suspects then fled the scene in a white Chrysler 300.
Watkins was shot multiple times and died at a hospital.
Detectives said they were able to identify Chris Ervin Jr., 18, as one of the suspects and arrested him Friday. He is facing charges of murder, aggravated assault with intent to kill, robbery, first-degree cruelty to children, first-degree criminal damage, discharging of a firearm near a highway, reckless conduct and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.
The second suspect, 18-year-old Kenderrion Muse, turned himself in to the Clayton sheriff’s office Saturday. He faces charges of murder, aggravated assault with intent to kill, robbery and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.
