The Tuesday afternoon shooting at the Kia Motors plant in West Point in Troup County was an isolated incident between two employees who worked together, authorities said.

The victim, who authorities said was shot once in the leg and was hospitalized at Columbus Medical Center, was identified as Gary Swanson. His age and hometown were not immediately made available. The suspect who was taken into custody without incident, authorities said, is Gabriel Raines, 38.

Troup County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Sgt. Stewart Smith said the plant was “sealed down” and “swept for additional victims or suspects” following the shooting.

Kia Motors is Georgia’s only major auto manufacturer, and thousands of employees work at its West Point plant and a string of nearby suppliers. In a statement, company spokeswoman Corinne Hodges said that “details of the incident are currently under investigation.

“The safety and security of our team members is Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia’s top priority, and we are cooperating with authorities,” the statement said.

West Point is on the Georgia-Alabama line, about 15 miles southwest of LaGrange.

About the Author