ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA — A swift response unfolded at a fast-food establishment when an armed bystander thwarted a robbery attempt, leaving the police awaiting the suspect’s release from the hospital to press serious charges.
In Alpharetta’s Zaxby’s restaurant on Old Milton Parkway, a 57-year-old man attempted to rob the manager at gunpoint during closing time. Fortunately, a customer who had just arrived to order food happened to be armed and intervened. “I’m glad somebody was there to help the people who could have been a victim,” said one customer, Shameerah Bates.
The incident prompted Alpharetta Police to establish a perimeter around the restaurant. The armed bystander had shot the suspect after he pointed his firearm at both the witness and the manager.
Following a search, officers located the suspect in the woods with two gunshot wounds to his leg. Once he recuperates, the 57-year-old man will face multiple charges, including armed robbery, aggravated assault, and firearm possession by a convicted felon.
Under Georgia law, the bystander who acted in sefl-defense will not be charged. According to Alpharetta Police Lt. Andrew Splawn, “Georgia law allows a person to use reasonable force to protect themselves or a third party when they believe an individual or themselves is going to suffer serious bodily harm or death.”
While the manager sustained superficial injuries and went to the hospital for evaluation, he is expected to recover. The intervention of the armed bystander was crucial in averting a potentially dangerous situation.
