A South Carolina dog breeder was fatally shot Monday night after the planned sale of a French bulldog went awry, authorities said Thursday.

Lonnie A. Ray, 76, described by the Lee County Sheriff as «probably the best breeder in South Carolina,» met a shopper in the parking lot of a KFC in Bishopville, about 53 miles northeast of Columbia.

As he had in the past, Ray brought a friend along for Monday’s sale, which was planned online, Sheriff Daniel Simon said. The same escort frequently accompanied these types of gatherings, according to the sheriff, who said Ray spoke to the potential buyer over the phone.

Before the $2,500 transaction could go through, at least one person pulled out a gun and began shooting in the direction of Ray and his friend, Simon said.

The person sped off in a sedan, with the puppy in tow, according to the sheriff. Three or four people were seen in the vehicle.

Officers arrived on scene and saw Ray on the ground with gunshot wounds, Simon said. It was not immediately clear Thursday how many times he had been shot. Ray was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead an hour later. The autopsy will be performed on Friday morning.

Ray’s friend was not injured by the gunfire, according to the sheriff. The stolen French bulldog had not been found on Thursday.

The coveted canine breed made headlines in 2021 for its popularity and high prices after pop star Lady Gaga’s two French bulldogs were violently stolen. Gaga’s dog walker was shot and wounded during the robbery. The two dogs were later returned.

South Carolina authorities are reviewing surveillance cameras to determine the identities and possible whereabouts of the shooter and others involved in the botched sale of the dog.

To reduce future risks associated with transactions conducted through social media, the sheriff’s office plans to create a gathering area that will be located within the agency’s Bishopville location, Simon said.