Stephen Hasner | | June 11, 2024
(ATLANTA) — A shooting incident at the Hub at Peachtree Center in downtown Atlanta on Tuesday afternoon left three people injured following a fight in the food court, officials reported.
The incident began with an altercation between two individuals. During the conflict, one of the parties, a 34-year-old, drew a handgun and shot their opponent. Two bystanders, a 47-year-old man, and two women, aged 69 and 70, were also struck by gunfire in the fray.
In the ensuing chaos, as bystanders sought safety, an off-duty Atlanta police officer engaged the armed suspect and neutralized the perpetrator with a response shot.
Authorities confirmed that the individuals wounded in the event, including the suspect, remained “alert, conscious, and breathing” following the confrontation.
Law enforcement officials have secured the suspect’s handgun and disclosed that the assailant had previous convictions, including armed robbery, and had served time in prison. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum emphasized, “This is an individual who should have never been possessing a gun.”
The names of the victims and further details about their conditions have not been released.
With this incident, local authorities are reminding the public about the importance of reporting any suspicious activities and the dangers of gun violence. They stress the critical role that vigilant community members play in maintaining public safety.
Source: Big Country News