Police: Warner Robins store clerk shot during struggle over firearm

Police say a dispute inside a convenience store escalated into a struggle over a gun.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Warner Robins store clerk was injured Monday after a struggle over a firearm inside a convenience store.

According to the Warner Robins Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting at the Friendly Food Store located at 210 Chilton Place. Investigators say an altercation began when a customer, identified as 39-year-old Laquanda Fluellen, was using gaming machines inside the business and demanded to be paid in cash.

According to police, the store clerk refused the request, which led Fluellen to become agitated and begin yelling. Police say Fluellen then grabbed a fire extinguisher and chased the clerk around the store before the clerk knocked it from her hands.

Police say Fluellen then pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the clerk. During a struggle over the weapon, the gun discharged, striking the clerk in the hand.

After the shooting, Fluellen fled the store, but officers found her in the area of Button Drive and Chilton Place, where she was detained and found to be in possession of the firearm.

The injured clerk was taken to Atrium Health for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

According to Houston County Jail records, Fluellen is charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

Anyone with information is asked to call Warner Robins Police at (478) 302-5378 or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME.