One New Orleans Saints fan allegedly took extreme exception to the cheering of two San Francisco 49ers fans, shooting both of them after the game.
On an Applebee's parking lot in Duluth, Ga., suspect Donald Ayro reportedly shot Chris Middleton in the abdomen while Corey Adams' head was grazed with a bullet. Middleton is hospitalized in critical condition.
Adams told local television station WSB-TV that Middleton had recently returned to the area after having lived in California. Both men are 49ers fans. Ayro is a Saints fan. Adams also showed a hole in his cap where a bullet grazed his head.
Ayro was apprehended on a nearby interstate after a brief investigation. He has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and two counts of aggravated assault, according to Gwinnett County police.
The official press release from police is below:
(Saturday, January 14, 2012 @ approximately 6:20pm)
Gwinnett County Police Department investigators are investigating a shooting that took place in the parking lot of Applebee’s located at 2085 Pleasant Hill Rd. This is in unincorporated Duluth within Gwinnett County.
Local
Gwinnett County Police Officers responded to the parking lot of Applebee’s regarding shots fired. Upon arrival, officers discovered a black male with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was later identified as 30 year old Christopher Middleton of Stone Mountain.
He was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition. A second victim was identified as 30 year old Corey Adams of Duluth. Mr. Adams suffered a minor graze wound to his head. He was treated on scene and released.
Officers on scene were provided with a description of the shooter and the vehicle he left in. A short time later, officers located the suspect and his vehicle as he traveled south in Interstate 85 near Jimmy Carter Blvd. and stopped him for questioning.
He was identified as 31 year old Donald Ray Ayro (address is unknown). Investigators learned during the course of the investigation all three men were inside the Applebee’s watching a football game.
Mr Ayro became upset with Mr. Middleton and Mr. Adams. Mr. Ayro made some type of comment that he would be back for them and left the restaurant. A short time later, Mr. Ayro confronted Mr. Middleton and Mr. Adams in the parking lot and open fire on them with a handgun.
Mr. Ayro fired several rounds and left the area in his vehicle. Investigators developed probable cause to arrest and charge Mr. Ayro with 2 counts of Aggravated Assault, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony. He was transported to Gwinnett County Jail and held without bond. Additional charges may be made as this investigation continues.
