Flock cameras helped Lumpkin County deputies locate two Hall County drive-by shooting suspects less than 12 hours after the North Hall incident, according to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).
Hall County deputies had responded shortly after midnight to reports of gunfire at the Stop by Foodmart No. 4 on Dahlonega Highway. Witnesses told investigators two men in a red SUV had tried to buy beer but were refused by the clerk, leading to an argument. (Alcoholic beverages cannot be sold legally in the county between 11:45 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.)
Two women, ages 39 and 52, were in the parking lot at the time the pair was leaving the store. Investigators said the younger woman argued with one of the suspects in support of the clerk before the men drove away.
Authorities believe at least one of the men fired gunshots in the distance after leaving. The SUV later returned, passing the store with its occupants yelling from the vehicle. After turning around and passing the store again, the passenger fired toward the business while the two women were still outside. No injuries were reported. Deputies later found two bullet holes in the building. EARLIER STORY. POSTED THURSDAY: A drive-by shooting following an argument over booze ends with two men in jail
A lookout was broadcast for the vehicle and its occupants. Although initial searches were unsuccessful, Flock Safety cameras in the Pierces area of Lumpkin County had detected the SUV several times two days before the incident, according to a LCSO news release.
About 8:30 Wednesday morning, another Flock alert indicated the vehicle was back in that area. That’s when Lumpkin deputies located the SUV, conducted a traffic stop and arrested both occupants without incident.
White and Robinson both remained in the Hall County Jail early Friday.