Gregory Johnson Killed, Woman Injured After Shooting Near Azul Restaurant Raises Security Questions

STATESBORO, Ga. — Authorities in Statesboro are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Tuesday night during a large Cinco de Mayo gathering near Azul Tex-Mex restaurant on South Main Street.

According to the Statesboro Police Department, officers and emergency medical personnel responded to reports of gunfire around 9:00 p.m. near Azul restaurant, located between Fair Road and South Main Street in downtown Statesboro.

Officials identified the victim as 39-year-old Gregory Johnson, a Statesboro resident with ties to Claxton and the state of Florida. Johnson was transported to East Georgia Regional Medical Center in critical condition, where he later died from gunshot wounds, according to Bulloch County Coroner Chuck Francis.

Police said an adult female was also injured during the shooting. Authorities have not released additional details regarding her condition.

Investigators stated that the shooting occurred during a large outdoor Cinco de Mayo gathering that drew a significant crowd to the area. First responders described the scene as chaotic as officers worked to manage multiple emergencies at the same time.

Authorities also confirmed that a pedestrian attempting to flee the scene was struck by a vehicle and suffered serious injuries. That incident remains under investigation.

At the same time officers were responding to the shooting, law enforcement agencies were also handling a separate DUI-related crash approximately one mile away, contributing to a large police presence throughout the area Tuesday night.

Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead confirmed the case is being investigated as a homicide. Detectives say multiple witnesses are cooperating with investigators as the inquiry continues.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Statesboro Police Department or submit an anonymous tip online.

Source:“Man dies from gunshot wounds after Cinco De Mayo party shooting”, Grice Connect, May 2026.

Have You or a Loved One Been Affected by a Shooting at a Restaurant, Bar, or Entertainment Venue in Georgia?

Georgia Victims – Violent incidents at restaurants, bars, entertainment districts, and large public gatherings can raise important questions about safety, crowd management, and security measures designed to protect customers and visitors.

When shootings occur at or near commercial properties hosting large crowds or special events, questions may arise regarding whether reasonable precautions were taken to help prevent foreseeable harm.

• Were appropriate security measures in place at the time of the incident?
• Was private security or law enforcement present on-site?
• Were lighting, surveillance cameras, and crowd-control measures sufficient?
• Had prior violent incidents or disturbances occurred at the property?
• Were property owners or operators aware of potential safety risks?

In some situations, victims and their families may question whether negligent security or premises liability factors contributed to the incident—particularly if it occurred in a location where preventative measures may have reduced the risk.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact The Warlick Firm today. We offer legal assistance, if desired, and represent clients on a contingency agreement—meaning no fees are owed unless we recover for you.

When shootings or other violent incidents occur, critical legal questions may emerge about whether property owners or operators acted reasonably to address potential risks and provide a safe environment for customers and visitors.

For those hurt during a violent crime, understanding whether a property owner or operator may have failed to provide adequate security can be important. Victims of shootings at commercial properties may have potential grounds for a premises liability or negligent security claim, depending on the facts uncovered during the investigation. Knowing your rights early may help protect access to medical care, financial recovery, and legal support. If you or a loved one were injured, speaking with an experienced Georgia premises liability attorney can help you better understand possible next steps and available compensation.

Under Georgia premises liability law, property owners and operators may be held responsible if inadequate security contributes to preventable harm. When risks are foreseeable and not addressed, injured individuals may have grounds to pursue a negligent security or premises liability claim.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.  We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  

When safety failures occur, the impact can be permanent. Read more about how Georgia Victims supports survivors and families across Georgia after violent incidents and acts of negligence. Violence in public and commercial spaces can lead to serious legal questions. Read more about the East Point MARTA station shooting and how incidents like this may involve negligent security or premises liability claims in Georgia.

Image source: Azul Tex-Mex