Retired vet cashing VA benefit check shot walking down street

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ATLANTA — Atlanta police are looking for the man who shot a local veteran several times as he walked down the street.

It happened just after lunchtime Monday along Hollywood Road in northwest Atlanta.

Police say Gregory Montford was shot twice in the back after the armed robber approached him and demanded he hand over all the cash.

The man's family tells Channel 2's Nefertiti Jaquez that they believe  the robber targeted him because had $600 in his pockets.

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They said Montford had just cashed his VA benefit check when the armed man threatened to kill him, before shooting him and taking off on foot.

Witnesses we spoke to said they were fuming over the robbery and shooting.

“It’s one thing to steal from someone who can defend themselves, it’s another thing to steal from someone who can’t,” witness Chris Pecoraro told Jaquez.

Meantime, the 59-year-old father and grandfather is recovering at Grady Memorial Hospital.

Doctors say he still has a bullet lodged in his back.

Investigators ask if you know anything about this case to give Crime Stoppers a call at 404-577-8477.

You can remain anonymous and there’s up to $2,000 reward.