A 16-year-old boy has been charged in a broad daylight shooting in an Alabama Walmart parking lot.
A shooting occurred at a Walmart east of Gadsden at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
No one was injured, but several vehicles were damaged.
Police said the argument between the two men began inside the store and continued outside.
During the argument, the 16-year-old pulled out a gun, ran away and attempted to shoot the man. In the process, two vehicles were hit.
“We cannot take this situation lightly,” police said in a news release Saturday evening. “In a crowded parking lot, in the middle of the day, this could easily have ended in a horrific tragedy.”
“What we saw today was a choice,” police said. “An individual chose to escalate, chose to introduce a firearm into a situation that should not have gone beyond words. They chose to put innocent people at risk.”
Authorities said police acted efficiently and cautiously. Witnesses remained at the scene and were willing to cooperate with investigators.
The teen, whose name has not been released, is charged with two counts of shooting into an occupied vehicle. He was charged as an adult and more charges are expected.
“We’re lucky no one was hurt. Situations like this remind us how quickly things can happen,” Gadsden Police Chief Lamar Jaggers said. “Our officers and this community responded as they should, and we will continue to hold people accountable when they choose to endanger others.”
“I’m glad this didn’t end in tragedy,” Mayor Craig Ford said. “I’m grateful for the quick response of our officers and the cooperation of those on scene. This is why our community remains strong.”
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