A shooting at a Marathon gas station in West Palm Beach left one man critically injured, and the suspect is still at large. The incident occurred outside the station at 1840 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, near Tanger Outlets Palm Beach yesterday afternoon.
According to CBS12, Mike Jachles, a spokesperson for the WPBPD, stated that the shooting stemmed from a struggle between two men. "The victim was able to go back inside the store where he collapsed," Jachles said. The victim received advanced life support from the West Palm Beach Fire Department paramedics and was transported to St. Mary's Trauma Center, where, after undergoing surgery, he is reported to be in critical condition.
Detectives from the WPBPD's Criminal Investigations Division are examining leads using the department's Strategic Intelligence Center. "We're in the early stages right now, but what we believe at this point is that this was not a random shooting," Jachles said in a CBS 12 report. The Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is being urged by authorities to contact anyone with information about the shooting or the suspect at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477), or to submit tips through the SaferWatch app anonymously.
The incident has prompted a response from the gas station owner, Daniel Harris, who expressed the establishment's cooperation in the investigation. "There were three gunshots and he found somebody laying out back between the doors… all I can do is be happy he’s not injured but it’s not something you want to deal with right before the holidays," Harris said to WPTV. He also mentioned a camera above the doorway that could provide crucial footage to authorities.
The gas station briefly closed but has since reopened. Traffic in the area has been mostly unaffected, aside from the usual holiday rush on Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The WPBPD is carefully processing the crime scene for evidence to help identify the shooter.
