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.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com