Man Killed Outside Atlanta Institution Manuel’s Tavern

Patrons and staff of Atlanta institution Manuel’s Tavern are trying to process a shooting which occurred in the parking lot behind the building that left one person dead Thursday night.

Around 11 p.m. Thursday, October 27, a patron of the North Highland Avenue pub was heading to his car in the parking lot when he apparently witnessed someone attempting to break into vehicles parked there. The man asked people sitting outside on the patio at Manuel’s to call the police and then confronted the person in the parking lot. He was shot once in the chest by the gunman during an altercation.

Two employees rendered first aid immediately to try and stop the bleeding. Sadly, the victim, identified as Dean Phillips by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, later died as a result of the gunshot wound, the AJC reports.

“This is a tragic loss of life that, unfortunately, has become all too common all over the country,” Manuel’s Tavern owner Brian Maloof says in a statement posted to social media. “Manuel’s Tavern and the Maloof Family express our great sadness to the family of the individual that died.”

According to Maloof, at least 15 patrons and employees who were outside at the time witnessed the crime and provided Atlanta Police with statements. The bar also turned over security camera footage for review in hopes of identifying the gunman who escaped by car with an accomplice. No suspects are in custody as of Friday afternoon.

The building is also home to Elemental Spirits Co. bottle shop, which was closed at the time.