Authorities are investigating the report of a Sunday afternoonshooting during an attempted robbery of a Lincoln County man in theWal-Mart parking lot, Brookhaven Assistant Police Chief Nolan Jonessaid.

Jones said the shooting was reported Sunday by a nurse at theKing’s Daughters Medical Center emergency room, where Jerry Keetonsought treatment for a gunshot wound. Keeton had been shot in theright side by a small-caliber gun.

“He drove himself to the hospital,” Jones said of Keeton, 53, ofEast Lincoln Road.

Keeton has since been released from the hospital, Jones said.

Jones said Keeton told authorities he was shot after beingapproached by three men and refusing to hand over his wallet around4:49 p.m. Sunday.

The men fled on foot across the parking lot, Jones said. He saidKeeton was not able provide much description of the three men.

Jones said the case remains under investigation. He saidauthorities have received a copy of the store’s surveillance tapefor review.