Gwinnett Judge Denies Bond for Man Accused of Shooting at Suspected Shoplifter

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Gwinnett County judge has denied bond to a 64-year-old man accused of opening fire inside a crowded Lowe’s store after confronting someone he believed was shoplifting, ruling that the defendant poses a danger to the public.

 

Steven Wagner appeared in court Friday seeking release from jail as he faces felony aggravated assault charges stemming from the Nov. 29 incident at the Loganville Lowe’s. Wagner told police he fired three shots after he believed the suspected shoplifter pointed a gun at him. No one was struck by the gunfire.

 

According to Loganville Police Officer Robert Mullins, who responded to the scene, the initial call suggested a potentially dire situation.

 

“I thought I may have been responding to an active shooter,” Mullins testified, describing his rush to the busy home improvement store.

 

During the hearing, Wagner’s family attempted to persuade the court that he is not prone to reckless or violent behavior. His wife, Kathy Wagner, told the judge that her husband is disciplined and deliberate, noting his background as a former military police officer.

 

“My husband is very diligent and he does not do anything erratic like that,” she said.

 

Wagner’s son, Richard Wagner, also testified, stating that his father owns four firearms, holds a concealed carry permit, and consistently emphasized gun safety.

 

“He has always been very disciplined and actually showed me various times safety practices,” his son said.

 

Prosecutors, however, argued that Wagner’s training and experience should have made him less likely — not more — to discharge a firearm in such circumstances. They emphasized that investigators have found no evidence corroborating Wagner’s claim that the other individual was armed.

 

“No one else substantiated the fact that this person had a weapon,” a prosecutor told the court.

 

Wagner’s defense attorney, Jerry C. Carter Jr., contended that his client should be granted bond, particularly because surveillance video from inside the Lowe’s — a key piece of evidence — has not yet been recovered.

 

Despite those arguments, Judge Jammie Taire sided with prosecutors, concluding that Wagner represents a danger to the community.

“It’s wildly absurd that a gun would be drawn,” Taire said from the bench.

 

With that ruling, Wagner will remain in the Gwinnett County jail without bond until his next court appearance.