Live, Local, Late Breaking news, weather, and sportsAlbany barber returns to work next day after being shot

Albany barber returns to work next day after being shot

A South Albany barber shop owner was back at work today after he shot as he closed his business last night.

37-year old Franklin Thomas says he has no idea who the gunman was or why the man shot him.

As police search for the gunman, neighbors tell us they're worried.

Franklin Thomas has owned Cat's Cuts Barber Shop on West Highland for 11 years, and never had any crime problem. Until last night, when he was shot. Today, he was right back at work

Franklin Thomas has his left arm in a sling, but even a bullet from an unknown gunman would not keep him away from his business.

Thomas said "Why take the day off? I thank God I'm still here. And I'm here to tell the story, so other than that I'm OK.

Thomas was in the Marines for 8 years, and that could be why he is so calm less than 24 hours after he was shot point blank with a pistol.

Thomas said "After my last employee left, sweeping the floor. Guy opened the door and I told him, hey we're closed. He said "Good" and just shot me."

Thomas said he ran to the back of his shop, and the gunman apparently left empty handed. The bullet went through his shoulder and out. He was treated at the hospital and released.

His barber shop is in a South Albany downtown area referred to as the "mud puddle."  Just a block from the civic center.

It's a longtime gathering place, where everybody knows each other, and other business owners checked on Thomas, concerned about his condition, and the violence on their street.

Thomas said "Everybody's gotten together, and they got their eyes open. We're trying to make sure nobody, nothing else happens like that, really."

Cat's Cuts was doing good business Thursday, and Franklin Thomas said he would not be arming himself or locking his doors while open.

Thomas said "No. No need for that. Trying to stop the violence. There is too much violence going on now. So we're just trying to maintain and go about our regular day, as usual."

Thomas said a little thing like a bullet wound "can't keep a good man down."

Thomas and a number of the barbers in his shop are hoping to host a "Stop the Violence" event there in the coming weeks.  Wanting to make sure no one else is hurt.

Thomas said the gunman was in his 20's, tall with a dark black complexion.

He wore black clothes, a hat, and sunglasses.

If you have any information about this shooting, call CRIMESTOPPERS at 436-TIPS.

You could earn a reward.

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