A confrontation outside a Citronelle gas station led to a man being shot in what police believe was a case of self-defense. Authorities say the shooter remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.
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CITRONELLE, AL (3-minute read) — An altercation outside a gas station in Citronelle, Alabama, late Friday night ended with one man in the hospital and another under investigation after what authorities say appears to be a case of self-defense.
According to Citronelle Police Chief Chris McLean, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. outside the Junior Food Mart, located at the intersection of US 45 and State Street. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a man walking toward the store to grab a snack when he was aggressively confronted by another man who appeared intoxicated.
Police say the intoxicated individual began shouting and swinging at the man, who attempted to de-escalate the situation by stepping back. Despite these efforts, the aggressor continued his attack. At that point, the man trying to enter the store drew a firearm and fired a single shot, striking his assailant.
Authorities confirmed that the shooter remained on the scene and immediately tried to provide medical aid. He has been fully cooperative with law enforcement. The man who was shot underwent surgery on Saturday morning and remains in the ICU at a Mobile hospital.
Police say the two men did not know each other. One is from Chunchula, the other from Mobile. The incident remains under investigation, and the case will be reviewed by a grand jury to determine whether charges, if any, are warranted.
Understanding Self-Defense and Concealed Carry Responsibilities
Incidents like this highlight the complex realities of self-defense scenarios, especially for concealed carry permit holders. While Alabama is a permitless carry state, individuals carrying a firearm must still follow all state laws, including the lawful use of force in self-defense. According to Alabama law, a person may use deadly force if they reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent death or serious injury to themselves or others.
Situational awareness and de-escalation are always the preferred first steps. Drawing a firearm should always be a last resort when there is a clear and immediate threat.
Safety Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in transitional spaces like parking lots and gas stations. These are common areas for confrontations. If you carry a firearm, train regularly and understand the laws governing justified use of deadly force in your state.
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