An Atlanta homeowner has been detained following gunfire that left two teenagers injured in an alleged package theft incident. Rakim Bradford, 34, is facing charges including two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to court documents referenced by FOX 5.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum elaborated that the event occurred after Bradford spotted the teens engaging in what he believed to be theft of his packages; this confrontation led to Bradford discharging his weapon, attempting to halt the crime, and having the altercation result in gunfire, as conveyed in statements obtained by FOX 5; the aftermath witnessed a 15-year-old shot in the foot and a 16-year-old, initially transported to the hospital in critical condition, not only survived but is expected to make a recovery, detailed by 11Alive.
Authorities stated that after the incident, Bradford, voluntarily surrendered himself to police custody bringing along the firearm used in the incident; officials at the scene managed to uncover a single shell casing where the incident unfolded, as recounted in reports from 11Alive.
The shooting has prompted a surge in dialogue among Atlanta residents, especially during holiday season when package deliveries are frequent and sometimes left unattended "It’s a sad situation," Nubian Barnes, a resident of the complex, told FOX 5, while another resident, Andrew Julian state a concerns about what's left vulnerable on one's porch.
Bradford remains in custody at the Fulton County Jail. Police have not announced whether the teens involved will face charges. Authorities said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
