Gunmen In Scary Masks Shoot Store Owner In Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA -- Neighbors said the owner of a neighborhood convenience store on Donnelly Avenue in southwest Atlanta was known as a sweetheart to the community. "Papa," as he was affectionately called, would give away candy to local children and post pictures of the community's families in his store.

Many patrons of the store are shocked to learn that "Papa" is in the hospital, the victim of a gunshot wound to the back.

"It shouldn't have been him. Some things shouldn't happen," a witness told WSB-TV.

Police said two masked gunmen walked into the Donnelly Food Store and shot Papa while attempting to rob the place.

While police don't think the gunmen took anything during the Monday night incident, they are continuing to investigate.

People who shop at the store told WXIA that Papa is always in the store with his wife and son. It is not known whether they were there at the time of the shooting.

As police tapered the store with crime tape, people from the neighborhood gathered around, telling local media how much Papa meant to them.

"It's like a family member to us that has gotten hurt, and we pray by God's grace that he will pull through," a woman told WSB.

The perpetrators are described as black males, with one wearing a maroon or burgundy hoodie with camouflage and the other had a gray pants and a red hoodie with white text.

Image via Facebook / Crime Stoppers