His name was not released.

Atlanta police investigators examine a shell casing found near the Varsity early Tuesday morning after a man was shot in the parking lot. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

It appears an altercation took place in the parking lot, a police spokesman said after an initial investigation. After the victim was shot, he ran a short distance before he collapsed in the middle of the street.

Ricker said there is a cigar bar nearby, but “whether or not he was coming from there is undetermined at this time.”

A witness in the cigar bar told Channel 2 Action News he heard several shots and hit the ground before bullets came crashing through the business’ window.

Other witnesses reported seeing a dark-colored SUV drive away from the Varsity after the shooting, Ricker said.

Atlanta police investigate a shooting Tuesday morning outside the Varsity in Midtown. JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM Credit: JOHN SPINK / JSPINK@AJC.COM

— Please return to AJC.com for updates.