79-Year-Old Man Arrested in Kroger Parking Lot Shooting

Authorities apprehended the suspect after releasing surveillance footage to the public.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:04pm

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A 79-year-old man named Vesselin G. Tzvetkov has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with a shooting that occurred in a busy Kroger parking lot in Brookhaven, Georgia on March 22. The 75-year-old victim is expected to recover from their injuries.

Why it matters

Violent crimes in crowded public spaces raise concerns about public safety, and the arrest of a suspect in this case may help provide some closure for the community. Parking lot shootings are relatively rare but can have a significant impact on perceptions of security.

The details

According to police, the shooting happened around 10 a.m. on March 22 when the Kroger shopping center was full of people. After releasing surveillance footage to the public last week, authorities were able to identify and apprehend Vesselin G. Tzvetkov, 79, on Wednesday in the Brookhaven area. Tzvetkov is being held without bond at the DeKalb County Jail.

  • The shooting occurred on March 22 around 10 a.m.
  • Tzvetkov was arrested on Wednesday, March 29.

The players

Vesselin G. Tzvetkov

A 79-year-old man who has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the Kroger parking lot shooting.

75-year-old victim

The victim of the shooting, who is expected to recover from their injuries.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant Tzvetkov bail at a hearing in the coming days.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and security measures in crowded public spaces, even in suburban areas, to protect the safety of shoppers and bystanders.