Sgt. James C. Lowery, a flight mechanic with Marine Aerial Refueling Transport Squadron 252, was listed in stable condition Thursday at Baptish South Medical Center in Montgomery, Ala., after being shot during the confrontation.
Lowery reportedly was on leave at the time of the incident.
According to witness statements, the killing was a case of self-defense. But an official investigation is being conducted by the Montgomery City Police Department, with support from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
According to a crime report, Lowery was approached by an individual brandishing a handgun as he sat in his car in the drive-through lane of a Montgomery fast-food restaurant early Wednesday morning. The person demanded money and Lowery's vehicle.
The report states that Lowery was shot by the would-be carjacker as he exited his vehicle.
Lowery - who was carrying a licensed and registered handgun - returned fire, and the assailant was killed.
Lowery was transported by ambulance to Baptist South Medial Center. He was admitted at 3:59 a.m. Wednesday.
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