White County shooting victim returns to work, praises law enforcement

The victim of an attempted armed robbery and shooting earlier this week in White County is praising the work of law enforcement. 

 

Tim Motes, owner of Woodlawn Gardens and Farm on Ga. 254, was working Monday night when a lone gunman walked up to a drive-up window and demanded money. 

 

The suspect shot Motes after Motes said he didn’t have any money.  Motes was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment. 

 

He's back on light duty work, while the gunshot wound to his stomach heals. 

 

"It takes time to get your nerves back in shape," Motes said.

 

Motes had praise for the people who came to his rescue. 

 

"You let something happen to your life, some tragedy, I want to tell you what, there is nothing better than seeing law enforcement pull up and come in and rescue your life," Motes said.

 

Following the incident, law enforcement flooded the area, Motes saying it gave him peace of mind. 

 

"There was courtesy throughout the whole thing. They followed up with you later to check on you, to see how you are doing. We’ve got something to be proud of up here in north Georgia," he said.  "There will always be thugs on this earth, but we can't let them take everything. They're just passing through our lives.  Maybe they'll just keep on going at this point. God's got us here for a purpose.  We're going to keep on pushing."

 

Motes also acknowledged support from friends and neighbors.

 

Authorities continue to search for the suspect.