Columbia Taco Bell Manager Shot by Masked Suspect

The Taco Bell manager who was shot early Sunday morning had left the restaurant with a second employee to investigate a suspicious person outside when two unknown suspects wearing masks appeared near a dumpster and one shot the man multiple times in the torso, according to police.

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The manager of the Taco Bell, Gary M. Graham, 42, of Columbia is currently in critical condition at University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, according to police.

The employee who walked out with Graham was not injured and ran back inside the restaurant, which is near the 7100 block of Minstrel Way, and employees called 911, reported police.

Police said detectives have not been able to speak to Graham because he has been in and out of surgery since the shooting. A motive is not known and there are no descriptions of suspects because both had their faces covered, according to police. 

Police are offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information related to the shooting. Police urge any residents with information to call them at 410-313-STOP (7867).

Taco Bell issued a statement in response to the incident, “This was a completely senseless crime that has shocked us all.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim and his family as he fights to recover.  Our franchisee has fully cooperated with Police detectives and encourages members of the community to come forward with any details that will help catch these thugs.”

On Monday, another manager of the Taco Bell declined to comment on the shooting, saying he was not authorized by the company to do so.

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