Fight over food may have led to deadly shooting outside Chamblee charity

Search for Jeremiah Clanton

Jeremiah Clanton has been identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting outside of a charity in Chamblee on Friday morning. Police are still looking for him. The victim in the shooting died.

CHAMBLEE, Ga. - A manhunt is underway for 31-year-old Jeremiah Clanton, who is wanted for murder following a deadly shooting outside a Chamblee charity Friday morning.

The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. at Saint Vincent de Paul on Tucker Road, as people gathered for a food distribution. Surveillance cameras captured the shooting, and police say Clanton should be considered armed and dangerous.

According to Chamblee police, a physical altercation broke out before the gunfire. Clanton allegedly shot the victim in the chest. Officers arrived quickly and rendered aid until DeKalb County Fire Rescue transported the man to a hospital, where he later died.

Investigators released a surveillance image of Clanton early Friday afternoon, identifying him as the suspect just a few hours after the shooting. Authorities say Clanton fled on foot toward the Chamblee MARTA station.

Police describe Clanton as 5-feet-6-inches tall and weighing 170 pounds. Saint Vincent de Paul Georgia confirmed that both Clanton and the victim had visited the facility before for food assistance and said they are saddened by the violence.

What they're saying:

One woman at the scene said she was told the violence stemmed from a fight over food.

"It's crazy because everybody come up here to get food and stuff and for you to be shooting somebody else over food that's not even yours. It's crazy," she said.

The shooting has left many in the community shaken.

"Scared to see all the blue lights and everything. It just—it was just crazy," another witness said.

Jeremiah Clanton. Courtesy of Chamblee Police Department. 

Man shot to death outside Chamblee charity

Police are on the hunt for an armed and dangerous gunman accused of killing a man during a fight outside a Chamblee charity that was hosting a food pantry.

What they're saying:

Statement from St. Vincent de Paul Georgia:

This morning, prior to the opening of our Chamblee Service Center, an incident involving gunfire occurred outside our building, resulting in the tragic loss of a life. The Chamblee Police Department is actively investigating, and we are fully cooperating with their efforts.

We are deeply saddened by this act of violence near our place of service. Each year, more than 65,000 neighbors come through our doors seeking help with food, housing, and medicine. We remain committed to being a place where all feel welcome, supported, and safe. The well-being of our staff, volunteers, and the neighbors we serve is always our highest priority.

We ask that you join us in praying for the repose of the victim’s soul, and for comfort and peace for all who have been impacted, including our staff, volunteers, and the broader community.

We recognize both the victim and the suspect as individuals whom we have served.  Our lobby Daily Offering "grab n go" food distribution is available to anyone, and we do not require names or registration for Neighbors (primarily unsheltered) that come for that service.  So we do not know the names of the individuals involved, but recognize them as previous guests. 

What you can do:

If you have any information that could help with the investigation, call the Chamblee Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS. DO NOT APPROACH.