An alleged assault near a local business has left one Clinton man thankful for being alive after he claimed a man challenged him to a fight and then pulled out a gun and fired a round at him.

However, witnesses near the incident say the incident may not have even happened at all.

According to reports released Monday by the Clinton Police Department, the 46-year-old man was riding his moped on Sunset Avenue near Royal Lane Thursday around 3:31 p.m. when he noticed the suspect in a store with his ex-girlfriend.

The victim told investigators he then confronted the suspect inside the store, located at 1212 Sunset Ave., and argued before walking outside to settle the dispute.

Behind the store, the unknown suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and fired at the victim. Panicked and afraid for his life, the 46-year-old victim allegedly picked up a stick, threw it at the suspect and ran back to his moped.

By the time police showed up at the scene, the suspect was gone. However, when the store owner and a customer were interviewed, both said they did not witness the incident inside the store nor did they hear a gunshot.

Police are still investigating.

If you have any information on this case you are asked to call the Clinton Police Department at 910-592-3105.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or email to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.