An unidentified man was shot late Tuesday night near Stewart Church Road in Covington and air lifted to Atlanta Medical Center.

According to Lt. Bill Watterson of the Newton County Sherriff's Office, the 19-year-old victim was shot in Hunter Ridge subdivision near Stewart Baptist Church. According to Watterson the victim and two other witnessses were in the driveway of a home when they were approached by two black males who reportedly ordered all three to the ground. One of the witnesses had his wallet stolen and as the two men left they allegedly shot the victim once in the back.

The victim was transported by life flight helicopter to Atlanta Medical Center as a precaution according to Newton EMS paramedic Thomas Mahaffey. Mahaffey responded to the call treated the man on the scene before the helicopter landed in a field at the church. According to Mahaffey the victim was in stable condition. As of Wednesday afternoon the victim was listed in stable but critical condition following surgery.

Anyone with information is asked to contact investigator Bob Gaddy at the NCSO at 678-625-1429. Callers can remain anonymous.

More details to come as information becomes available.