The Forest Park community is reeling after a violent spree ended in a triple shooting, resulting in the death of a local man and a chaotic manhunt that closed down the city. Brandon Harris, 43, was shot and killed during the incident that unfolded on Friday morning, and police have now charged 33-year-old Victor Demetrious Baymon in connection with his death, as well as a series of other violent offenses, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
The ordeal began when Baymon allegedly followed his ex-girlfriend to a tax office in Forest Park and shot Harris, who was working there, and then another individual before carjacking two vehicles and leading police on a high-speed chase that ended in Cobb County, as reported by 11Alive. After crashing the first carjacked vehicle, Baymon hijacked a second car and shot a construction worker on Old Jonesboro Road, police claim.
Baymon was eventually apprehended in Powder Springs where officers initiated a pursuit that concluded when his vehicle veered out of control, struck a tree, and burst into flames; he was then extracted and taken to a hospital for treatment. According to the police, the suspect is currently in critical condition but will be transferred to Clayton County Jail upon his release from the hospital. "The person he shot was the person preparing those taxes," Forest Park Police Chief Brandon Criss said, as cited in the FOX 5 Atlanta report.
Harris' family is mourning a great loss, describing him as a wonderful father, husband, and brother who could illuminate any space with his presence, shared photos of the loved one painted a picture of the individual beyond the crime statistics, as they navigate through the grief of the unexpected tragedy, the family told FOX 5 Atlanta. Baymon, on the other hand, faces multiple charges including malice murder, armed robbery, hijacking of a motor vehicle, and aggravated assault; with Forest Park Police stating more charges could follow.
The apprehension of Baymon closed a tumultuous chapter as the local police department extended its gratitude to all agencies involved in the capture and reiterated its commitment to the safety of its citizens in a statement, "Chief Brandon Criss and members of the Forest Park Police Department sincerely appreciate the help of all agencies with apprehending the suspect. Our agency remains committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all of our citizens," as quoted by 11Alive. Local lockdowns that were in effect during the manhunt have since been lifted, allowing the community to begin the process of healing after the harrowing events.
