Man killed outside Kroger on Ponce (Update)
Kroger’s location on Ponce has long been known as “Murder Kroger” to Atlanta residents
Atlanta Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred outside the Kroger grocery store on Tuesday afternoon in Poncey-Highland.
APD Sgt. Greg Lyon has confirmed with CL that a Joshua R. Richey was shot and killed just before 2 p.m. behind the Kroger located off Ponce de Leon Avenue near the Atlanta Beltline. Two suspects, who were riding in a black BMW that backed into a parking spot on the side of the building, attempted to break into a white pickup truck, according to a video that APD released. Richey then attempted to confront a person breaking into his vehicle, Lyon said. The shooting followed that encounter.
“The suspects left the scene in a black BMW with tinted windows and possibly a drive out tag,” Lyon says.
Both APD and Atlanta Fire Rescue responded to the crime scene. The AJC reports Richey was 38 years old and has four children.
APD officers are looking for the suspects and encourage anyone with information to get in touch with Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at crimestoppersatlanta.org. Information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspects could result in an up-to-$2,000 reward. We’ve included a video of the black BMW in the Kroger parking lot after the jump.
Kroger’s location on Ponce has long been known as “Murder Kroger” to Atlanta residents. Kroger officials last year attempted to rebrand the store as “Beltline Kroger.”
We’ve asked APD for more details about the killing, potential suspects, and whether the incident would affect President Barack Obama’s itinerary. The president, who was speaking this afternoon at Georgia Tech, visited Manuel’s Tavern down the road from the crime scene. If we hear back, we’ll post an update.
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Note: This story has been updated to include additional information.