By Carol Wyatt
VERNON – Investigators have arrested a Georgia man following a shooting incident that took place around 11:39 Saturday morning at the Vernon Express convenience store in Vernon.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office reports deputies and Washington County Emergency Services arrived on scene to find an 18-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to the foot. The shooter was identified as 25-year-old James Griffin Davis. Both Davis and the victim are Georgia residents.
According to law enforcement reports, the men were traveling from Panama City Beach to Georgia when an argument erupted between them. Davis stopped for gas at the convenience store and asked the passenger to exit the vehicle. The passenger gathered his personal items and exited the vehicle at which time Davis shot him in the foot.
A former correctional officer and Vernon resident happened to be at the store when the incident took place. The former CO retrieved his weapon and detained the shooting suspect until deputies arrived.
The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Davis was arrested and booked into the Washington County Jail on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
WCSO states investigators are still on scene. Additional charges in the case are pending.
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The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting that took place shortly before noon Saturday at the Vernon Express convenience store, located at 3276 Main Street in Vernon.
Few details are known at this time; however, Sheriff Kevin Crews says more information will be released soon.
Witnesses on scene state the incident happened following a verbal altercation between two men. According to eyewitnesses, the argument culminated with one of men drawing a handgun and shooting the other, reportedly striking him in the right foot.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
Staff Report 
Jim Saunders