William Young Sr.CLACKAMAS, OR (KPTV) -
An argument in a Fred Meyer store checkout line turned violent when a customer opened fire in Clackamas on Tuesday.
Clackamas County deputies said the dispute between 66-year-old Jerry Harryman and 59-year-old William Young Sr. quickly turned into a physical confrontation at the store on 82nd Drive.
Harryman pulled out a gun, for which he had a valid concealed handgun license, and shot Young in the leg, deputies said.
There were several people in the area when Harryman opened fire, according to deputies. Young continued fighting, despite suffering the gunshot wound.
Several people joined in to subdue Harryman and took the gun away from him, a sheriff's spokesman said. Fred Meyer security staff also handcuffed Harryman, restraining him until deputies arrived.
Young and Harryman survived the fight and were taken to a hospital. Once Harryman was treated for minor injuries and released, deputies booked him into jail on a charge of assault.
"It's just devastating when you think what could happen," said Lee Annis, a Fred Meyer customer. "You could be there yourself shopping and out of the blue somebody pulls a gun (and) 'Boom,' that's it."
A Fred Meyer spokeswoman said employees acted appropriately after the shooting happened.
"Our employees, from all appearances, (acted) by the book with their training and their own adrenaline and impulse and responded well," said spokeswoman Melinda Merrill. "And we hope that did help prevent some injuries."
Counselors were called in by Fred Meyer to help employees cope with the incident. Customers said they were concerned and hoped for answers.
"What kind of thing happens that two people are arguing and somebody pulls out a gun and shoots somebody else?" said Devon Thayer, a Fred Meyer customer.
The topic of the argument between Harryman and Young isn't known.
Deputies said Harryman's concealed handgun license has been revoked since his arrest. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
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