Cashier shot dead and off-duty deputy injured after customer got into an argument over mask policy

PICTURED: Man, 30, who shot dead a Georgia store cashier who told him to wear a mask before he was shot by an off-duty cop

  • A cashier was shot dead after an argument with a customer in Georgia
  • Victor Lee Tucker Jr., 30, of Palmetto, allegedly entered the store and argued with staff about wearing a mask
  • Tucker allegedly left the store before returning and shooting the cashier dead 
  • An off-duty deputy who was working as security guard fired at the suspect
  • The police officer was also hit twice during the firefight 
  • Both the suspect and the officer were taken to hospital 


Victor Lee Tucker Jr., of Palmetto, Georgia, had got into an argument with staff at the Big Bear grocery store in DeKalb County, on Monday over their store's mask policy

Victor Lee Tucker Jr., of Palmetto, Georgia, had got into an argument with staff at the Big Bear grocery store in DeKalb County, on Monday over their store’s mask policy

A cashier was shot dead and an off-duty deputy was wounded after a customer pulled out a gun and opened fire when told he had to put on a face mask.  

Victor Lee Tucker Jr., of Palmetto, Georgia, had got into an argument with staff at the Big Bear grocery store in DeKalb County, on Monday over their store’s mask policy.

The 30-year-old appeared to leave after the argument, but returned moments later, holding a handgun, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Tucker hit the casher, killing her, before he was shot and injured by an off-duty officer, a 30-year veteran of the DeKalb County Police Department, who was working as a security guard.

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox said Tucker managed to fire back twice, hitting the off-duty cop both times.

The deputy was working part-time in a security job at the store according to 11Alive.

A witness, identified as Alan Williams, said Tucker walked into the store, struck the cashier with a gun, then shot her which is when the deputy and the suspect exchanged gunfire. 

The shooter and the officer were both taken to Grady Memorial hospital for treatment.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation which is now assisting with the incident, Tucker was found crawling out the front door of the supermarket. 

The off-duty officer was listed in stable condition, but the condition of Tucker is not known. 

The cashier was officially pronounced dead at Grady hospital.

A cashier was shot dead after an argument with a customer in Georgia. Victor Lee Tucker Jr., 30, of Palmetto, allegedly entered the store and argued with staff about wearing a mask

A cashier was shot dead after an argument with a customer in Georgia. Victor Lee Tucker Jr., 30, of Palmetto, allegedly entered the store and argued with staff about wearing a mask

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox said the suspect, Victor Lee Tucker Jr. managed to fire back twice, hitting the off-duty cop both times

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox said the suspect, Victor Lee Tucker Jr. managed to fire back twice, hitting the off-duty cop both times

The deputy was working part-time in a security job at the Big Bear store

The deputy was working part-time in a security job at the Big Bear store

source: dailymail.co.uk