Man arrested after allegedly shooting clerk at Quality Inn in Cobb County identified

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A hotel clerk in Cobb County was shot multiple times and a guest of the hotel is in custody. The shooting happened at the Quality Inn on Cobb Place Boulevard early Monday morning, according to the Cobb County Police Department.

Matthew Chandler, another guest staying at the hotel, told FOX 5 he heard the commotion.

"I heard a noise where they busted windows or shot, not sure. Then, I heard all the cop cars coming. I walked out and there was police cars everywhere," said Chandler.

CCPD says their officers responded shortly after 2 a.m. Nov. 6. The employee was not killed, but police were unable to provide his or her condition.

"The first officer noticed the windows to the building had been shot out, and when they went inside they located the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds," said Cobb County Police Officer Aaron Wilson.

Police say despite being shot multiple times, the clerk managed to call 911 for help.

Officers set up a perimeter and began searching for the gunman. Their suspect was much closer to the crime scene than expected. Investigators say he was staying at the hotel.

Around 11 a.m., they made an arrest. He was later identified as 26-year-old Gary Elliot of Acworth. 

"That is kind of scary knowing that happened right next to where I'm staying," said Wilton Gordon who is staying at a hotel next door.

Meanwhile, Chandler went to the front office to check on the other employees.

"I went down there earlier and the guy was in there, the other clerk, and he was in total shock. I'm glad they got him," said Chandler.

The clerk was taken to Kennestone Hospital and is expected to survive the shooting. He was later identified police as 48-year-old Marche Clarke of Kennesaw.