Cops: Gwinnett teen shot and killed while trying to help friend

A Gwinnett County teenager was shot and killed over the weekend while driving down a road near Norcross.

Police believe he was attempting to help a friend.

Gwinnett police spokesman Cpl. Deon Washington said that, around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, 18-year-old Jimmy Rodriguez was driving near West National Circle and Graves Road when he spotted a friend "having a verbal argument" with two unknown men. He turned around to try and help the friend when one of the strangers "began shooting into his car."

Rodriguez was hit once in the chest and crashed into a parked car and a fence, police said. He later died at Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville.

The shooter and his accomplice ran away. They have not been apprehended.

"Detectives are working to determine the identity of the two males that fled the scene and are asking for witnesses to come forward with any information," Washington said in a news release. "The senseless loss of life in this situation is very sad and unfortunate."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwinnett police at 770-513-5300. Tipsters can also remain anonymous — and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000 — by calling Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 (404-577-TIPS), texting the tip to 274637 or visiting crimestoppersatlanta.org.

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