The Associated Press
FORT OGLETHORPE, Ga.
An apparent robbery attempt at a busy Wal-Mart led to a shootout with police that left a suspect and a store employee wounded, authorities said.
George Curtis Hughes was charged with attempted murder, attempted robbery and other counts after he opened fire late Monday when a police officer asked him to stop as he was leaving the store, authorities said.
Hughes was wounded in the ensuring shootout, along with a Wal-Mart employee who was in front of the store, authorities said.
“He was just in the line of fire when the perpetrator opened up,” said Dave Scroggins, a Fort Oglethorpe detective.
Both were listed in stable condition Tuesday at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.
The incident began around 10:45 p.m. Monday when officer Richard Williams saw two suspicious men enter the store and then leave, authorities said.
According to the account by Fort Oglethorpe police, Williams followed one of the men _ later identified Hughes, 44, of Cleveland, Tenn. _ outside the store and asked him to stop.
Hughes pulled out a 9 mm handgun and began firing at Williams, who took cover, returned fire and called for assistance, police said. A second officer arrived and also exchanged fire with Hughes. Bullets hit Williams in the boot and shirt sleeve but he was not injured, police said.
Police also arrested Clyde Junior Perchelli, 21, of Decatur, Tenn. Police said he admitted being with Hughes and said Hughes intended to rob the bustling store.
“It’s Christmas season,” Scroggins said. “It was very busy. Our Wal-Mart is always busy.”
Both Hughes and Perchelli were charged with attempted robbery and weapons violations, while Hughes was also charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and aggravated battery, police said.