Volusia Gold & Diamond employee shot dead by suspect who is then shot by another employee

Daytona Beach Police respond to a shooting at Volusia Gold & Diamond on International Speedway Boulevard, July 19, 2024.
Daytona Beach Police respond to a shooting at Volusia Gold & Diamond on International Speedway Boulevard, July 19, 2024.

DAYTONA BEACH — An 83-year-old man shot and killed an employee during a dispute at Volusia Gold & Diamond in which another employee shot and wounded the assailant, police said.

John Craiger has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder, according to a press release.

Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young said the call came in at 12:57 p.m. from the business at 536 W. International Speedway Blvd.

It appeared the employee was familiar with Craiger who was a customer. And the shooting appeared to be a dispute between the employee and Craiger, not a robbery, Young said.

Daytona Beach Police Department Chief Jakari Young approaches crime scene tape at Volusia Gold & Diamond on International Speedway Boulevard on July 19, 2024. Police responded to reports of two people being shot at the business.
Daytona Beach Police Department Chief Jakari Young approaches crime scene tape at Volusia Gold & Diamond on International Speedway Boulevard on July 19, 2024. Police responded to reports of two people being shot at the business.

Craiger pulled out a gun and shot the employee. Another employee pulled out a gun and shot Craiger, Young said. A witness also struck Craiger in the back of the head with a blunt object.

Craiger was shot multiple times and suffered a laceration to the head.

No one else in the store was injured.

Young said police were leaning toward self-defense as far as the employee who shot the suspect.

He said they were not looking for anyone else involved in the shooting.

Check back for details on this developing story.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Beach shooting leaves store employee dead, suspect wounded