A man was killed after an early-morning shooting Sunday outside the Family Dollar on North Broad Street NE in Rome, according to police. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found the victim wounded, got him to a local hospital, and later learned he had died from his injuries. Detectives collected evidence at the scene and say they are still working to identify whoever pulled the trigger.
Police Search for Shooter
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, officers and emergency personnel arrived at the Family Dollar at about 12:42 a.m. Sunday and found a man who had been shot. The station reports the victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
FOX 5 Atlanta reports that a Rome Police Department media release said detectives recovered evidence at the store and are “following leads to find the person responsible.” Investigators have not publicly discussed what kind of evidence was collected but say the case remains very active.
Police Ask Witnesses to Come Forward
Rome police are urging anyone who was in the area at the time of the shooting, or who has photos or video from around the store, to contact investigators. Per the City of Rome, callers can dial 911 or use the anonymous Crime Tip Line at 706-236-5000. The city’s line is open 24 hours a day and allows people to remain anonymous.
Detectives say even small details or a few seconds of video could help move the investigation forward, especially in a case with no publicly identified suspect.
Recent Incidents in Rome
The killing outside the Family Dollar comes just weeks after a March incident in which a child was shot in Rome, adding to a string of violent episodes in the area this spring, according to Atlanta News First. Authorities have not said whether the two cases are connected, and there has been no indication of a shared suspect or motive.
What Remains Unclear
As of Sunday afternoon, police had not released the victim’s name or age, saying they are still working to notify next of kin. No description of the shooter has been made public, and investigators have not shared any potential motive.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Rome Police Department or submit an anonymous tip at 706-236-5000, details provided to the media in a Rome Police Department release and reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
