Hall County

Cook shot inside popular restaurant; Shooter(s) on the run

HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities are actively searching for the person or people who shot a 60-year-old cook inside a popular Hall County restaurant late Wednesday night.

The Gainesville Police Department told Channel 2 Action News that the person or people entered Huddle House on Jesse Jewell Parkway around 11:30 p.m. and shot the man multiple times.

A woman working inside the restaurant was able to escape and get help at a nearby convenience store.

"We can't say whether this is a random act of violence or not," Gainesville Police Sgt. Kevin Holbrook said.

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The victim, identified as Michael Benham, was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in critical condition. Police said he’s expected to survive.

A family member told us Benham is an Army veteran and a good person.

"If we plan on living in a civilized society, then things like this can't be tolerated," the family member said.

Investigators told Channel 2 Action News that minutes after they were called to the Huddle House for this shooting, they got a call about another shooting not too far away.

They're working to see if there's any connection.

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