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JCT. Kitchen & Bar, one of local empire builder Ford Fry’s Westside restaurants, was the site of an attempted robbery and shooting Monday evening, reports 11 Alive.
A couple was reportedly in JCT’s parking lot when the alleged assailant attempted to rob the individuals at gunpoint. The armed robber shot the male victim in the stomach and leg. The victim fled into the restaurant, with the alleged gunman following and continuing to fire shots before fleeing the scene.
“The robber chased the victim into the crowded restaurant, and continued to fire at the man,” Atlanta police spokesperson Carlos Campos told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The victim was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, “alert, conscious and breathing,” according to the AJC.
No arrests have been made. The shooting occurred a little before 9 p.m., Channel 2 reports. One JCT. patron described the scene. “I jumped up and ran into the kitchen, people started following me and there were about 15 or 20 of us back in the kitchen," witness David Collins told the station.
Update: A representative for Ford Fry Restaurants tells Eater Atlanta JCT. will resume normal business hours on Tuesday and provided the following statement.
“An incident occurred at JCT. Kitchen on Monday, August 28, around 9 p.m., and the Atlanta Police Department immediately arrived to the scene. We are working diligently with APD, the property security team and city inspectors as they investigate what is believed to be a targeted, isolated act intended for robbery, with the victim having come to the restaurant after shopping in Buckhead.
“The security and well-being of our guests and employees are always our first priority: We have off-duty APD officers present at the restaurant in addition to 24-hour security on property at Westside Provisions District. We are saddened by this unforeseen circumstance and will continue to support all involved with the investigation to remain a safe environment.”
• APD Investigates Shooting at Popular West Midtown Restaurant [11 Alive]
• Robber Chased, Shot Man Inside Popular Midtown Restaurant [AJC]
• Police: Gunman Chased Victim Into Crowded Restaurant, Fired More Shots [Channel 2]
• All Crime Coverage [EATL]