A tragic shooting outside a Palmetto Bojangles has claimed the life of a local father. The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. yesterday at the fast-food restaurant located at 9100 Roosevelt Highway, according to Palmetto Police Chief Bryan Hergesell, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The shooting, which is now under investigation, ensued following what appeared to be an altercation between the victim and another individual. Authorities have since arrested a suspect, though the name has not been disclosed as of yet. The victim, identified by his family as Dominique Goodman, was reportedly at the Bojangles to confront a shift manager whom his daughter claimed had been picking on her, FOX 5 Atlanta conveyed from interviews with the victim's family.
Dominique Goodman's attempt to address concerns involving his daughter and the shift manager seemingly escalated to violence, resulting in Goodman's fatal shooting. Marlene Lately, who knew Goodman and his daughter, told FOX 5, "Which any parent would do if somebody arguing with their kid, you know. They coming up there to see what’s going on, and I guess that’s what he did."
11Alive identified the alleged shooter as Maurice Nolan Evans, an employee of Bojangles, and reported he was arrested on charges including murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The impact of this event extends into the holiday season, as Marlene Lately related to 11Alive, "It's terrible, I mean, because here come Christmas, they waiting, you know, he probably got everything ready for them, and now you got to spend the holidays without your dad and they cousin and brothers."
Bojangles' corporate response to the shooting was made clear through a statement expressing their condolences and emphasizing the priority they place on the safety of guests and team members. The company has voiced its full cooperation with law enforcement and strongly condemned the violence. "We are aware of the tragic incident that occurred earlier today at a franchised restaurant location in Palmetto, Georgia. Our hearts go out to the victim and all those impacted by this senseless act," the statement read, according to 11Alive.
