US supermarket shooting: Cashier shot and killed over mask dispute with customer

A cashier has died after being shot, allegedly following a mask dispute in the US. Photo / Twitter

A cashier at a US supermarket has died after being shot by a customer following an argument about face masks.

The shooting occurred inside the Big Bear Supermarket in Decatur, Georgia, on Monday. At least three others were injured.

The suspect, 30-year-old Victor Lee Tucker Jr., entered the store at approximately 1.10pm local time and while checking out got into an argument with the cashier about his face mask, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The GBI continues an investigation into an officer involved shooting incident in DeKalb County. Victor Lee Tucker, 30, got into an argument w/ a female cashier & shot her.  A DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office deputy attempted to intervene while working off-duty. pic.twitter.com/I8xxYpMjxO

— GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) June 14, 2021

"Tucker left the store without making his purchase, but immediately returned inside. Tucker walked directly back to the cashier, pulled out a handgun and shot her," police said in a statement.

He then allegedly began shooting at an off-duty DeKalb County deputy police officer who attempted to intervene.

The officer exchanged fire with Tucker, with both parties wounded in the shootout, along with a second cashier who was grazed by a bullet.

The officer and two cashiers were not immediately identified.

The police were called and Tucker was arrested while "attempting to crawl out the front door of the supermarket", police said.

DeKalb Country Sheriff Melody Maddox spoke to the media following the shooting. Photo / Supplied

The cashier was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Tucker was taken to the same hospital in a stable condition. The officer was taken to Atlanta Medical Centre and is also in a stable condition.

The second cashier who was injured was treated at the scene by paramedics.

DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox told reporters Tucker will likely face murder charges over the deadly shooting.

Maddox said she didn't know the exact details of the argument that occurred between the cashier and Tucker but said it was "in reference to the wearing of masks".

She also praised the deputy for his quick response, saying he may have kept other people from being injured.

"That is what he is trained to do."