PR03-021

Date:

August 31, 2003

 
Fulton Deputy Foils Old National Robbery Attempt, Suspect Wounded, Apprehended
 

A robbery suspect was wounded Saturday while attempting to rob a package store on Old National Highway. At approximately 10:30 p.m. a robbery suspect entered a liquor store at 5065 Old National Highway armed with a handgun. The suspect, who was wearing a mask to conceal his identity, approached the store clerk with his gun drawn.

An off-duty Fulton County deputy was in the store at the time of the robbery attempt. The uniformed deputy had just finished working an extra job in the area, and had stopped by to visit an acquaintance employed at the store.

Upon detecting the armed suspect, the deputy took cover, drew his duty weapon, and challenged the armed suspect. When the suspect turned and pointed his gun at the deputy, the deputy fired a single shot, wounding the suspect in the right shoulder. The suspect was quickly apprehended.

College Park Police and Sheriff Investigators identified the suspect as 20 year-old John Luther Graham of Jonesboro Road, Fairburn. Graham was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital where he is being treated for a single gunshot wound. His injury is non-life threatening. Charges against Graham are pending.

The off-duty deputy has been placed on routine administrative leave while the investigation continues.

For more information, please contact Lieutenant Clarence Huber at (404) 730-4148. Lieutenant Huber can also be reached on his digital pager at (404) 742-6798.