PORTLAND – A man accused of shooting another customer Tuesday during an altercation inside a Clackamas Fred Meyer was booked into jail and his concealed handgun permit revoked, according to sheriff's deputies.
A verbal argument started just after 3:30 p.m. and quickly turned into a physical fight at the checkout counter of the store, located near Interstate 205 and Highway 212, according to Sgt. Adam Phillips of the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.
A witness told KGW his family was in line when a man behind them tried to look at their PIN number as it was being entered. The fight quickly escalated and the suspect shot the victim, 59-year-old William Young of Milwaukie, in the leg.
Fred Meyer officials said other store customers helped to take down and disarm the shooting suspect, later identified as 66-year-old Jerry T. Harryman of Milwaukie.
"Harryman is believed to have pulled a handgun, which he had a valid concealed handgun license (CHL) for in Clackamas County, and shot Mr. Young in the leg," Phillips confirmed. "Multiple people were in the immediate area when the shooting occurred."
The victim’s wife, Dorothy Young, said after the suspect pulled the gun, her husband pushed it down and was subsequently shot in the left thigh. They continued to struggle and customers and security eventually wrestle the gun away and subdue him.
"I heard a big gunshot. It was loud," said customer Phyllis Rowley. "I looked up and the cashiers were dropping us to the floor and rushing us to the back of the store."
Both men were taken to local hospitals with non life-threatening injuries. Harryman was treated and released. He was jailed for first-degree assault and his handgun license was revoked.
"It's crazy," said customer Lorri Hoogs. "What's the world coming to?"
The store was closed while police investigated, according to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office. It reopened around 8 p.m. Volunteers were also called in to counsel witnesses and employees.
Young is a Vietnam Vet who avoiding being shot during his tour and "never expected to be shot at the grocery store," his wife said.
KGW Reporters Mike Benner and Mark Hanrahan contributed to this report
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KGW Reporter Mike Benner contributed to this report
