By Melanie Ruberti

 

Melanie.ruberti@lagrangenews.com

 

LaGRANGE – One man’s quick thinking may have saved his life Wednesday night when several masked gunmen fired multiple rounds into his SUV parked behind a home in the 200 block of McGregor Street.

 

The victim told LaGrange Police Investigators he was sitting inside his girlfriend’s car about 7:30 p.m. when six or seven suspects dressed in black clothing and wearing masks approached the SUV.

 

One of the suspects demanded the man get out of the car. As the victim reached for the door handle, the gunmen fired multiple rounds into the SUV, stated LPD Detective John Slonaker.

 

The victim reportedly dove for cover inside the car.

 

“By the grace of God he was not hit,” stated Slonaker, referring to the victim. “When the gunfire started, he dove under the dashboard. He did not even have a scratch on him.”

 

Nearby neighbors also took cover when the shooting started.

 

“I don’t know exactly what happened, but when I heard it (gunshots) I hit the floor,” one woman said.

 

The suspects initially fled the scene on foot and may have left the area in waiting vehicles, Slonaker said.

 

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the LaGrange Police Department at 706-883-2603, LPD Detective John Slonaker at 706-883-2643 or Troup County Crime Stoppers at 706-812-1000. Callers may remain anonymous.

 

Melanie Ruberti is a reporter with LaGrange Daily News. She can be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2156.