$50K Winning Lotto Ticket Stuns U.S. Army Veteran

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — A U.S. Army veteran who popped by the store to buy a scratch-off ticket was left stunned when he learned he'd won $50,000.

“I just stared at the scanner,” the retiree said, referring to the store’s Lottery device. “I didn’t believe it, didn’t believe what I was seeing. Still don’t.”

The Harford County resident plays the lottery a few times a month and prefers instant games, he told Maryland Lottery officials when claiming his prize.

“Maybe a Powerball or Mega ticket when the jackpot gets really big, but usually just scratch-offs," he said.

This time, the retiree bought a $5,000,000 Fortune game that turned out to be a $50,000 winner. EZ Quick Food at 801 Revolution Street in Havre de Grace supplied his $50,000 winner.

“I was thirsty that day and stopped at the first store I saw to get a soda. I never would have found this ticket if I hadn’t really wanted that Coke," he said.