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RaceTrac shuts down downtown store after man killed near Georgia State University

By FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Updated  February 27, 2024 11:20pm EST
Downtown
FOX 5 Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta RaceTrac calls it quits

RaceTrac is pulling out of downtown Atlanta after a young man was shot and killed near the store over the weekend. The store is near the campus of Georgia State University and has been the scene of multiple shootings for more than a year.

ATLANTA - The RaceTrac gas station on Piedmont Avenue in downtown Atlanta is shuttering its doors just a day after a man was killed outside of it.

The shooting happened at 120 Piedmont Avenue NE around 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Google Maps shows the address belonging to both the gas station and The Mix, an off-campus student housing option for GSU. That's where a 21-year-old man lost his life.

Racetrac closing after violent incidents

The Downtown Racetrac that sits by Georgia State University is shutting its doors days after a man was shot and killed close outside of GSU off-campus housing.

On Monday, RaceTrac's CEO said the decision to close the store was one about safety and financial impact.

"I am deeply saddened by the recent senseless acts of violence at and near this store," said CEO Natalie Morhous. "As an Atlanta-based business, we did not reach this decision lightly. We know how important our stores are to the community: They are open to guests 24/7/365, they create local jobs, they generate taxes, and play a critical role in the states in which they operate. However, RaceTrac can only be successful when our stores are safe for our team members and our guests."

Man killed near GSU off-campus student housing

Atlanta police are looking for two people in connection to a deadly shooting near Georgia State University.

The closure will be effective immediately.

The employees of that particular store will be able to continue employment at one of the other 127 RaceTrac locations throughout Georgia.

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120 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta on Feb. 25, 2024.

Police searching for suspect and person of interest in deadly shooting near Georgia State University

Officials say the deadly shooting began as a fight between three people that escalated into gunfire.

The 21-year-old victim's identity has not been released, but police have confirmed he was not a student at Georgia State. There has also been no word on a suspect or motive.

Atlanta police released surveillance video from inside the gas station on Monday.

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(Atlanta Police Department)

Investigators say the video shows a suspect believed to be connected to the shooting who is wearing a black jacket.

Police believe the man wearing a red hooded sweatshirt that is seen in the footage is also a person of interest in the shooting.

Officials are asking anyone who identifies the two men to call the Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Unit directly at (404) 546-4235. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at (404) 577-8477.