Man Shot Outside Albany Store After Argument Over Slot Machine, Suspect in Custody

Albany Police responded to a shooting at The Whistle convenience store, located at 713 S. Slappey Boulevard, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, around 2:30 p.m.

Officers arrived on scene and learned that two men had been inside the store when they got into an argument and physical fight about a slot machine. According to investigators, the suspect, Marcus Newberry, 66, left the store. The victim, Gregory Hightower, 42, exited shortly afterward.

Police said Newberry then pulled out a firearm and shot Hightower in front of the store. Hightower was transported to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Newberry was taken into custody at the scene and later interviewed by investigators. He has been charged with Aggravated Assault – Firearm and Possession of a Firearm During Certain Crimes. He was booked into the Dougherty County Jail.

Albany Police continue to investigate the case.