Gunman shoots employee, holds another hostage at McDonald's

HAPEVILLE, Ga. — Police are searching for the gunman who held an employee hostage and shot another during a failed robbery at a McDonald's.

The incident happened Tuesday night in Hapeville when police said the suspect climbed through the drive-thru window and pulled a gun on employees.

One employee was held and pistol-whipped, and another was shot in the back.

The gunman got away before officers arrived. Police are still searching for the suspect.

Tony Green, a regular customer at this McDonald's, said it's not the safest area and there aren't many visible cameras.

"They need a lot of things, they need to be upgraded, you know? It's a very old McDonald's," he said.

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Many of the customers Channel 2's Tyisha Fernandes spoke with say they were shocked this happened.

"I am surprised. I live in Hapeville and I work for the city. I hadn't heard about that so I'm very sorry for his family," said customer Holly Stevens.

McDonald's Corporation sent Channel 2 the following statement:

"We are saddened by this incident and send our heartfelt thoughts to our employee and his family."

The statement went on to say that safety for all employees is their number one concern.

Customers like David Scarborough said he knows there's lots of crime in the area but he was surprised to hear what happened.

"That would be a first. An armed robbery at McDonald's," he said.

Cox Media Group