Shooting Reported at Anniston Little Caesars; Four Juveniles Involved
Anniston — Police are investigating a shooting that occurred Monday evening, October 27, at the Little Caesars Pizza located at 1410 Quintard Avenue in Anniston.
According to the Anniston Police Department, the incident involved four 17-year-old juveniles and stemmed from what officials described as an ongoing dispute between the individuals.
Surveillance footage and evidence collected at the scene showed that around 7:18 p.m., two juveniles — one from Oxford and one from Eastaboga — entered the restaurant’s lobby. Police said the juvenile from Eastaboga had his face covered with a mask and lifted his shirt to display a Draco-style 7.62 caliber pistol, apparently to intimidate two employees, both residents of Anniston.
Investigators said the juvenile from Oxford then went behind the counter and attacked one of the employees, sparking a fight among all four individuals. During the altercation, one of the employees was armed with a handgun.
Police report that the suspect with the Draco pointed his weapon toward his friend and the armed employee as the struggle continued. The two exchanged at least one gunshot each inside the restaurant. As the suspects and the armed employee exited the building, another shot was fired from the Draco, and the employee returned fire as the suspects fled on foot.
The armed employee was struck twice but sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to UAB Hospital for treatment. The second employee suffered minor, non-firearm-related injuries.
Anniston Police say both suspects have been identified. Investigators are working with the Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Court to determine appropriate charges.
Anniston Police Chief Nick Bowles expressed gratitude to multiple agencies, including Calhoun E-911, the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit, District Attorney Lynn Hammond and her staff, and the U.S. Marshals Service, for their assistance in the case. Chief Bowles also commended the Little Caesars employees for their cooperation and praised the restaurant’s high-definition surveillance footage for its clarity and detail.
No further information will be released until charges are filed, according to police.
