Dollar General manager died after being shot by a customer in Georgia
The suspect fled the scene and later died during a confrontation with officers who were trying to arrest him.
A Dollar General manager died after being shot inside a store in Columbus, Georgia, in an incident that later led to a confrontation between the suspect and authorities.
The victim was identified as Alexis Hill, 44, mother of three children and grandmother of two grandchildren, WTVM reported.
According to authorities, the incident occurred on Tuesday around 10:00 a.m., when Hill was serving customers at the establishment's checkout.
Investigation indicates that the attack occurred during a purchase
According to official information cited by local authorities, the man identified as Jerome Willis, 33, approached to pay for a purchase valued at $1.58.
While Hill was handling cash handed over by the customer, the suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire.
The worker was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 10:45 a.m., according to the Muscogee County Coroner.
Relatives indicated that the victim and the suspect did not previously know each other.
Suspect died during police operation
After leaving the store, Willis fled to a nearby parking lot.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) reported that agents located the suspect around 11:40 a.m. and they gave him verbal instructions to surrender.
The authorities indicated that the man did not obey the orders and later shot during the operation.
In response, agents fired shots that caused his death.
During the procedure, a Columbus Police Department officer was injured and received medical attention before being released.
Also injured was Havoc, a K-9 unit dog who was taken for veterinary care and later underwent surgery.
Family and relatives remember the victim
Family and loved ones described Hill as a hard-working person who was close to his community.
His brother, Jonathan Hill, said that the family is seeking support to cover funeral expenses and accompany their children and grandchildren.
People who worked with her also remembered her as someone kind and committed to her job.
The Columbus Police Department expressed solidarity with the victim's family and the officers involved.
The investigation remains open and authorities have not reported new findings in the case.