Oxford police identify men involved in shooting incident

Rachael Scarborough King
Star Staff Writer
Published: July 19, 2006

The Oxford Police Department has released the names of three men involved in a shooting Monday on Craft Road.

Police say George Mitchell of Anniston was checking on his daughter’s Craft Road home at about 4 p.m. Monday when he reportedly interrupted Joshua Gortney, 21, and Patrick Kilduff, 35, both of Anniston, in the act of stealing lawn equipment.

In the altercation that followed, Mitchell reportedly shot Kilduff, who was transported to Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. A representative at RMC said no information was available on his condition.

Police said Gortney fled the scene after the shooting and was apprehended a few blocks away. He remained in the Oxford jail Tuesday. Both he and Kilduff are charged with third-degree theft of property, meaning the value of the items they are charged with stealing is less than $500.

Lt. Louis LeFoy of the Oxford Police said the department and the district attorney’s office will review the shooting to determine if any charges will be filed against Mitchell. Under state law, a person may use physical force, but not deadly physical force, to prevent theft or criminal mischief against his or her property. LeFoy said he expects a grand jury will hear the case.