Note: This video is from previous coverage. We are working to produce an updated clip.

LEESBURG, Ga. (WALB) - A Leesburg family recalled the moment a man armed with an AR-15-style rifle allegedly shot at their family gathering on Sunday, June 7, in an incident they said was racially motivated.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the 100 and 200 blocks of Autumn Leaf Drive after receiving multiple reports of a shooting in progress. The sheriff’s office said it stemmed from a “verbal altercation.”

The resident of the home on Autumn Leaf Drive told WALB her family was visiting for a family reunion that weekend.

At about 9 p.m., family members said they were standing in the front yard when a car drove past the home. Jeffrey Tyler Kinzer, who officials identified as the suspect, was reportedly leaning out of the window, shouting racial slurs at the group.

“He’s talking junk. He started yelling the ‘N-word,’” Ramell Green, a witness said. “He kept going so we let him go. We just discussed what had happened after.”

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man charged in Lee Co. shootout wore body armor, carried AR-15 style rifle, witnesses say <<

The person who lives at the home also said that she called the Lee County Sheriff’s Office after Kinzer left. But about five minutes later, Kinzer and the driver returned.

This time, Kinzer was reportedly wearing body armor and carrying an AR-15-style rifle.

Those outside spotted the suspect with the gun from a distance and began running, Green said. Then Kinzer opened fire, and Green said a bullet flew past him.

“...People started taking positions because they saw he had a gun. And I was in the middle of the street,” Green said. “And I grabbed my gun and started returning fire and moving with him.”

Green said he is a Marine veteran. He wanted to defend the roughly 20 children and older adults who witnesses said were at the home when the shooting occurred.

“It’s so hurtful. I cried all night,” Loucindi Broussard, another witness, said. “I’m laying outside on the ground for a shootout. I’m under a car with my sister who is 77 and I’m 62.”

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Kinzer was injured after being shot by a family member.

The family said they were racially targeted.

“We were having a family gathering. And it was a great family gathering,” Green said. “It was peaceful...He came and caused that to happen. And he found out that he’s not the only one that has training.”

Kinzer was charged with aggravated assault. After being cleared at the hospital, he was transported to the Lee County Jail. The family demands more serious charges. The sheriff’s office said additional charges are expected.

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