Armed Citizen Shoots Attacker In Gas Station Parking Lot In Unprovoked Attack

AUBURNDALE, FLORIDA — A Texas man, Juan Jose Martinez, 36, was wounded in a shooting incident that has been deemed self-defense by police. The altercation occurred at a 7-Eleven on 420 Magnolia Avenue around 11 p.m. on Sunday. Martinez, from San Marcos, Texas, was shot in the abdomen after he allegedly hit a person inside a vehicle. His injuries are non-life-threatening.

The initial police response was to the 7-Eleven for a shooting report, but they were redirected to a nearby Best Western hotel where Martinez was found injured in the parking lot. He received medical attention from Polk County Fire Rescue and was hospitalized.

Investigations revealed that Martinez and the shooter, whose identity hasn’t been disclosed, were strangers. The motive behind the altercation remains unclear. After reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness statements at the 7-Eleven, police concluded the shooting was in self-defense.

Martinez faces multiple charges upon his release from the hospital, and will be detained at the Polk County Jail. Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Adair at (863) 965-5555 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-400-TIPS (8477) for anonymous tips.