Two Men Shot in Argument Over Football Game

One man was shot in the abdomen and another man suffered a minor graze wound to the head after an argument over a football game turned violent.

Gwinnett County Police were called to the  at approximately 6:20 p.m. Saturday evening in response to a report of shots fired.

According to a press release, officers found Christopher Middleton, 30, of Stone Mountain with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and Corey Adams, 30, of Duluth with a minor gunshot graze wound to the head.

Officers obtained a description of the gunman and his vehicle and soon located the suspect, 31-year-old Donald Ray Ayro of Norcross, on I-85 near Jimmy Carter Boulevard.

Police say Ayro, Middleton and Adams were watching a football game inside Applebee’s when Ayro became upset with the other two men.

WSBTV reports that Adams and Middleton were watching the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers game when the initial confrontation occurred. Adams, a 49ers fan, told WSBTV that Ayro took offense with his excitement over a touchdown.

"The only thing me and my buddy said was, we were excited that the 49ers scored," Adams told WSBTV. "It was only one touchdown."  

“Mr. Ayro made some type of comment that he would be back for them and left the restaurant,” said GCPD public information officer Cpl. Ed Ritter in a press release.

A short time later, Ayro reportedly confronted Middleton and Adams in the parking lot and opened fire on them with a handgun before driving away from the restaurant.

Ayro has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He is being held in the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bond. 

Middleton was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition, Ritter said. Adams was treated at the scene and released. 

Ritter added that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.