By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Oct. 2, 2001
DECATUR Officials said Mayor David Griffin, who is recuperating from a gunshot wound sustained in a robbery, could be released from the hospital as early as today.
Griffin was shot twice in the leg Sept. 24 during an armed robbery at his downtown Decatur grocery store, Big G's. He underwent surgery at University Medical Center in Jackson to remove bullet fragments from his leg.
Decatur Police Chief Mark McDonald said he has spoken with the mayor, who seems to be "in good spirits. It hurt him pretty badly. It will be a few weeks before he is back on his feet again."
McDonald said investigators with his office, the Newton County Sheriff's Department and the Mississippi Highway Patrol Bureau of Investigations are looking into several solid leads.
The robbery occurred as Griffin walked outside his store after locking up. He was confronted by a gunman in a ski mask who demanded money. Griffin was shot once in the leg during a scuffle and shot once more in the leg as he fled the scene.
In all, five bullets were fired from a .380-caliber semi-automatic handgun. One bullet was retrieved from a trash can, McDonald said.
The suspect is described as a tall man, about 6 feet tall and 180 pounds. Anyone with information can call the Decatur Police Department at 635-3555 or the Newton County Sheriff's Department at 635-2101.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for the Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.