Double Shooting at Shell Service Station in LaGrange
Officers from the LaGrange Police Department were called to a Shell gas station and food mart after reports of a shooting. When police first arrived, they did not locate any victims, but discovered “obvious signs” of a shooting. According to Detective Shaw, an unknown suspect is believed to have fired multiple rounds at the fuel station.
During their investigation, they were notified that two individuals, Quentayvious Woodyard and De’rodrigos White, had been transported to a local medical center, suffering from gunshot wounds. Reports indicate that the victims’ injuries are serious. However, they are anticipated to recover.
Law enforcement is still actively investigating the incident for any information that might provide an explanation for the shooting or lead to the arrest of a suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives.
Understanding Negligent Security Law in Georgia
Business and property owners in Georgia have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to protect guests, employees, and consumers from foreseeable criminal activity on their property. When they fail to address known security risks, or take measures to enforce their security, they may be held liable under the state’s security laws.
When property owners fail to implement basic safety measures, they contribute to negligent security on the premises. These examples may include: inadequate lighting, unsecure locks or doors, and/or faulty security or surveillance systems. When these lapses in security contribute to a violent crime, such as robbery or assault, victims may have the right to pursue legal action against property owners.
If property owners choose to take proactive safety measures, however, they can reduce the risk of crime on their property and fulfill their legal obligation to maintain a safe, secure environment. Ignoring these responsibilities not only puts lives in danger, but exposes property and business owners to serious legal and financial consequences.
Previous Criminal Activity and Negative Reviews
The Shell gas station at 828 N. Greenwood St. has been the scene of crimes before the shooting discussed above. This includes an October 2022 “robbery by snatch.” An examination of online reviews reveals more complaints about safety at this location. One reviewer writes “You couldn’t pay me to go back to this cesspool.” Another states ominously, “Very dangerous.”
How Do We Demand Justice?
When victims of violent crimes are harmed due to negligent security, the emotional, physical, and even financial toll can be overwhelming. While law enforcement can investigate the crime, they cannot hold property owners accountable for failing to take appropriate security measures. Consequently, it’s up to the victims and their families to demand justice by pursuing appropriate legal action against negligent property and/or business owners.
By filing a civil lawsuit, victims can seek the financial compensation they need to recover from the aftermath of these violent crimes. This compensation can provide relief from medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the crime. Although no amount of money can ever undo the trauma of a violent crime, taking legal action allows victims to hold property owners accountable for their negligence and inaction.
Pursuing justice does more than provide financial relief, it also acts as a powerful deterrent. Legal action compels negligent property owners to face the consequences of their failures and can drive meaningful improvements in safety, such as hiring security personnel or upgrading surveillance systems. When victims stand up for their rights, they not only hold wrongdoers accountable but also help make their communities safer and reduce the risk of future tragedies.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.