A man was shot and injured at a gas station Wednesday morning in Silver Spring, Montgomery County police said.
The man told police he was standing outside his car at the W Express gas station at 8550 Piney Branch Road when a person approached him from behind and pressed a gun against his side. The gun discharged and the shooter fled, police said.
The 40-year-old man was suffering from a gunshot wound by the time police arrived at 6:17 a.m. He was taken to a local hospital with injuries to his lower body that were not considered life-threatening, police said.
Officer Rick Goodale, a department spokesman, said Wednesday police were still working to determine exactly what happened, including details about the shooter. He said the victim did not have much information about the shooter as the person approached him from behind. Police also don’t know if the shooter intentionally shot the victim or if the gun went off accidentally.
County police do not reveal the names or identifying details about victims, he said.
Police have asked anyone with information to call 240-773-6870 or leave an anonymous tip at 866-411-TIPS (8477) for a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest or indictment.