DeKalb County police responded Saturday evening after reports of gunfire at the Mall at Stonecrest, sending the shopping center into lockdown while officers moved in to secure the scene. Shoppers and employees scrambled for cover after the shots were reported. At the time of the initial update, police had not announced any victims.
What Happened
According to Atlanta News First, officers said the mall was on lockdown while police continued to secure the scene and that no victims had been located. The outlet reports that witness Douglas Freeman said he had just walked into the mall when he heard at least two gunshots and saw people flee. Investigators remained on scene while detectives worked to determine what led to the shooting.
Witnesses Describe Panic
Douglas Freeman told Atlanta News First, "It happens up here, you know?" and said shoppers ducked and ran after the gunfire. Officers were setting perimeters and clearing areas of the mall, and no suspect descriptions or arrest information were available in the early reports.
Stonecrest's Violence History
The Mall at Stonecrest has been the scene of serious incidents in past years, including a deadly shooting outside the complex in 2019, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and a widely reported December 2015 episode that prompted evacuations though no victims were located, per FOX 5 Atlanta. Those prior incidents have contributed to ongoing local concern about safety at the busy shopping center.
How To Help Investigators
Anyone who was at the mall and has video or information can contact the DeKalb County Police non-emergency line at (404) 294-2911 or the East Precinct at (770) 482-0300, per the county's police contact page. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta, which accepts phone, text and online submissions.
This is a developing story. We will update when police release more details or make any arrests.
