Detectives Call Shooting at Apartments Self-Defense

Gwinnett Police are calling a shooting at the Landmark at Bella Vista Apartments in unincorporated Duluth self-defense. Police officers responded to a report of a man shot in the face at the apartment complex located at 4015 Satellite Blvd. about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 23), Cpl. Jake Smith initially reported.

Callers reported hearing gunshots and seeing an adult black male lying on the ground outside. A description of the shooter and his vehicle was also provided, according to Smith.

The gunshot victim was transported to a local hospital in serious condition, but he is expected to survive his injuries, Smith said.

Responding officers and detectives located the shooter with the assistance of the Suwanee Police Department, Smith said. The suspect was cooperative and was taken into investigative custody.

In a followup statement issued Aug. 25, Smith reported that detectives determined that the person who was shot in this incident was the primary aggressor. They are not releasing his name, but Smith said he is a 21-year-old black male who resides in Duluth. He is being referred to as the suspect.

The intended victim, Demarcus Fisher, 24, drove to the apartment complex to obtain information about renting an apartment, according to Smith.

"Fisher accidentally pulled into an area of the parking lot with no outlet. While Fisher was turning his vehicle around, the suspect approached the driver side of his vehicle. The suspect produced a handgun and pointed at the victim through his open window. Fisher carried a handgun of his own inside his vehicle. He quickly grabbed it and fired at the suspect several times. When the suspect fell away from his vehicle, Fisher quickly drove away, fearing he would be shot at," Smith said.

Fisher returned to his place of employment and immediately notified his manager of what happened. They contacted the police and cooperated fully in the investigation. The investigation revealed that Fisher legally possessed and carried his handgun and shot the suspect in self-defense, Smith said.