MACON, Ga. — A quiet Friday afternoon in East Macon turned into a scene of panic and pain when 17-year-old Jamontae was shot inside the BP gas station on Shurling Drive, leaving him in critical condition, officials said. The shooting happened just after 3:40 p.m., and law enforcement quickly rushed to the store after an emergency call came in.
Friends and neighbors who were nearby heard gunshots and saw first responders arrive with lights flashing. When deputies from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office reached the BP convenience store, they found Jamontae lying injured from a gunshot wound. Medics rushed him to Atrium Health Navicent, where he remains in critical condition, fighting for his life.
Sheriff’s investigators say the shooting is under active investigation, but they have not yet made any arrests. Officials released a surveillance image of a person of interest seen inside the store shortly before the shooting, dressed in dark clothing and captured on the station’s cameras. They hope someone in the community will recognize him and help investigators.
Jamontae’s family arrived at the scene after the shooting. Friends said he had stopped by to pick up snacks and drinks, something he did nearly every afternoon. “He’s always smiling,” one neighbor said. “To hear he’s hurt like this… it’s just heartbreaking.” That personal toll is echoing across the East Macon neighborhood, where residents say moments of everyday life suddenly turned dangerous.
This incident adds to a troubling string of violent episodes in the area. Local law enforcement has noted several shootings in the community so far this year, underscoring residents’ growing concerns about safety around convenience stores and public spaces.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the shooting or the person of interest to contact them at 478-751-7500 or call Macon Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-877-68-CRIME (1-877-682-7463). Tips can also be submitted anonymously on the Crime Stoppers website.
Neighbors say they hope Jamontae pulls through and that this episode will prompt real change in the streets around them. For now, they remain on alert and are offering prayers and support for his recovery.
