The owner of the Florida Hemp Distribution store that was the scene of Friday's murder investigation said the shooting was “in self-defense” during an attempted robbery.
Hours after Hurricane Helen passed, Tallahassee police responded to a shooting at a marijuana store at 220 West Tennessee Street just before 6 p.m.
Co-owner Alex Petrick said two men entered the store, approached the only employee working at the time and forced him to pull out a firearm.
Employees ordered the men to leave.
Petrick said the employee told the would-be robbers, “Get out, get out. Don't make me do this.”
Petrick said the suspect continued to advance toward the employee until the employee turned his back to the wall and fired.
Petrick said there were no other customers or employees, and that the other man who entered with the suspect fled as soon as he saw the gun.
TPD questioned the employee but released him after several hours, Petrick said. He said no charges were filed.
TPD was unable to confirm the details Petrick provided to the Tallahassee Democrat, but TPD spokeswoman Heather Merritt said interviews with all parties involved are ongoing and the department remains open and proactive. He said that an investigation is underway.
Latest and trending news reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.
