Crime & Public Safety
Early-morning shooting and assault reported in Atmore Waffle House parking lot
At approximately 2:50 a.m. on Sept. 27, 2026, Atmore officers responded to reports of shots fired and a physical altercation in the Waffle House parking lot in Atmore. Police say one person struck another multiple times with what was believed to be a firearm, and a separate individual later discharged a weapon in the nearby Popeyes parking lot.
According to the department’s account, officers were called to the Waffle House location and found that the assault occurred first, with the alleged pistol-whipping followed by the injured person drawing a firearm and firing several shots in the Popeyes lot. Responding personnel reported no confirmed gunshot victims and no damage to vehicles or buildings at the scene.
The Atmore Police Department posted the incident details publicly and identified the event as an active investigation. The department characterized parts of the narrative as allegations — for example, that a firearm was used to strike a person — and distinguished those claims from confirmed, documented evidence such as the absence of reported gunshot injuries or property damage.
Investigators say the case remains open; they are following strong leads and will release additional information as appropriate. No arrests, charges, victim names, motives, injuries, or case outcomes have been provided in the department’s public statement to date.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More Escambia County news · Request a correction or case update
All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.