Thursday March 28th, 2024 2:45PM

Suspect identified in shooting at shopping center in Gainesville

By Christian Ashliman Anchor/Reporter

UPDATE:

The Gainesville Police Department reports having obtained warrants in connection with the shooting at the Village Shoppes of Gainesville off Dawsonville Highway.

Guillermo Vazquez Martinez, 42, of Gainesville was allegedly charged with two counts of aggravated assault for the attempted murder of both victims.

According to a Facebook post by the department, both male victims survived the attack. Police reaffirmed Tuesday that the crime was not random, as both victims have a connection to Martinez.

Martinez is currently on the run and officials believe he has left the area. Anyone with information is asked to submit a tip via the department's website or call 911.

Martinez is described as a Hispanic man, around five-foot-five weighing 180 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. The department said they will provide pictures of the suspect to the public as soon as they are able.

"We're not really certain where he might be headed," Gainesville Police Lieutenant Kevin Holbrook said. "It's believed that he did have a residence here in Gainesville, we've made contact with those individuals, with individuals that knew him. And that's what led us to believe that he may have fled the area. We have been working throughout the day, doing search warrants, obtaining information."


AS OF 9:05 p.m. MONDAY:

Two adult males were shot and are in critical condition Monday night at the Village Shoppes of Gainesville off Dawsonville Highway.

The Village Shoppes is a large shopping center located at the intersection of Dawsonville Highway and McEver Road. According to the Gainesville Police Department, the shooting took place just prior to 7:00 p.m. Monday.

Upon arrival, police found two adult male victims who had been shot. The two men were immediately transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in critical condition.

According to Gainesville Police Lieutenant Kevin Holbrook, officials do not believe it was a random shooting. Holbrook said initial investigations point to the victims and the shooter as having some type of relationship or knowledge of each other.

Officials are on-scene and trying to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. They reportedly do not have a suspect at this time.

"We have our crime scene technicians, investigators on scene," Holbrook said. "They're diving into that information, working with witnesses, working with the surrounding businesses, so that we can piece together information."

Gainesville Police encourage anyone with information to contact the department at (770) 534-5252, online here or call 911.

This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.

  • Associated Categories: Homepage, Local/State News
  • Associated Tags: gainesville, Crime, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, shooting, Gainesville Police
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