Atlanta is on high alert as police continue the hunt for three individuals linked to the frightening shooting of an 11-year-old boy that occurred in Northwest Atlanta earlier this month, officials said. The young victim was gunned down, riddled with multiple bullets after a harrowing chase by the assailants on the evening of January 14.
The attack, unfolding along the 3200 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near Interstate 285, was captured on video, which was later released by authorities in an appeal for the public's assistance to identify the shooters. As detailed by FOX 5 Atlanta, the footage shows the boy in a desperate attempt to flee before getting struck by gunfire. Despite his injuries, the boy remained conscious and was able to communicate with first responders before being transported to a local hospital for treatment.
In a disconcerting sequence of events, all three gunmen, decked in black, were seen firing towards the victim and subsequently fleeing the scene on foot. Atlanta police have not released the boy's identity or current health status, but they have confirmed that he survived the ordeal that evening.
Investigators are calling on anyone with information about the three suspects to come forward with tips. Crime Stoppers Atlanta has released surveillance video which shows the trio walking through a parking lot before the boy sprints across, and then moments later, the men discharging their weapons. According to WSB-TV, those with relevant details can provide valuable information anonymously via the Crime Stoppers tip line, online, or by text, and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
The community's assistance in catching the attackers could be crucial, as law enforcement continues to piece together the disturbing incident. Tips can be provided by calling Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting 'CSA' and the information to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters can remain anonymous and still claim the monetary reward offered for information leading to the arrests of the culprits responsible for this callous shooting.
