NATCHEZ — A Natchez man was transported to a Jackson hospital after he was reportedly shot in the back at a gas station on Washington Road and Pilgrim Boulevard Tuesday, Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said.

Mullins said Tuesday evening the victim, Christopher Combs, 28, 321 Dumas Drive, was conscious and able to speak but in serious condition.

Mullins said Tuesday evening police were searching for Lance White, 34, 269 West Stiers Lane, whom the victim and witnesses reportedly identified as the suspect.

Police responded to a report of a shooting from the gas station at 11:50 a.m.

Witnesses at the gas station reported that they saw the suspect fighting with Combs before shooting him in the lower back, Mullins said.

The shooting was apparently related to a dispute between the two men that has been going on for at least a week, Mullins said. He did not describe the nature of the dispute.

Witnesses reported White left the scene in a car, but Mullins said police were not certain of the car’s description.

Mullins said he could not provide a photo of White because the computer system was experiencing difficulties.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.