Store worker injured in shooting outside Newport News 7-Eleven

A store employee was injured in an accidental shooting outside a 7-Eleven in downtown Newport News Wednesday evening, according to Newport News police.

Calls came in around 7:10 p.m. reporting a shooting at the busy 7-Eleven and Mobil gas station at the corner of Nettles Drive and City Center Boulevard.

Witnesses reported hearing between two and three gunshots.

The man was lying on the sidewalk near the ice machine, to the left of the store's front door. He was taken by ambulance with injuries deemed not life-threatening, according to a statement from Newport News police.

Police said the vendor and at least one customer were involved in an altercation outside the business that turned physical. The employee accidentally discharged a firearm that was on his person, causing him injuries, according to police.

More than 10 police vehicles and at least two fire engines responded to the scene, tending to the man and setting up crime scene footage.

Customers said they recognized the man as the main evening clerk at 7-Eleven for the past two years.

“He is very friendly to everyone who comes into the store,” said a man who described himself as a regular customer. “He always says 'Welcome, good to see you.' A lot of people come to the store because of him.

This man and a couple living in the area reported hearing a loud argument between a woman and a man before hearing two to three gunshots.

“He tries to keep the peace at 7-Eleven at all times,” the woman said. “I hope he is well. I really hope he's okay.

[cqcomment=”Michalecsaidtheman'swoundsarenotbelievedtobelife-threatening[cqcomment=»Michalecadéclaréquelesblessuresdel'hommenemettaientpassavieendanger[cqcomment=”Michalecsaidtheman’swoundsarenotbelievedtobelife-threatening

No charges have been filed so far and police are “not looking for suspects,” Newport News police spokesman Matt Michalec said.

The matter is still under investigation.

Peter Dujardin, 757-897-2062, [email protected]