The incident happened a little before 3:00 Monday morning on Gulf Drive, just off of Nova Street. According to authorities, three men were carrying out a drug deal in the midst of some beachfront residential units. They say there was some sort of disagreement and the men began fighting. One of the men, a man in his early twenties named Darnell Downs, allegedly ran from the scene and was shot once in the back with a 12-gauge shotgun.

Neighbors say Downs punched out a window a few units down and asked for help. He was taken to a local hospital, and released at 9:00 Monday morning. Investigators say the other two men then took off in a black passenger car.

Authorities spent several hours on Thomas Drive this morning, stopping vehicles that matched the description of the suspects' car. But, so far they haven't found anything. They also say they believe Downs has gone home to Vernon, Alabama, and is not cooperating with the investigation.

If you have any information about this case, please call the Bay County Sheriff's Office at 747-4700.