60 bullets found after Midtown shootout
ATLANTA - Atlanta Police step up patrols around Midtown, after a Thursday night shooting with 60 gunshots from multiple gunmen damaged buildings, cars and sent hundreds of people scrambling for cover.
Police are still reviewing surveillance to identify the shooters.
Police were called to Crescent Avenue Thursday night after reports of a suspect entering a parking deck with an assault rifle.
“I heard ‘pop, pop, pop, pop, pop,’” said witness Susanne Dockery. “It was definitely the scariest thing I've ever heard.”
Responding officers searched the parking deck, but didn't locate a suspect or weapon. However, investigators told FOX 5 News more than 60 shell casings from multiple weapons were found at the scene and a man was discovered lying behind cars.
“It sounded like someone had set off a pack off fire crackers that were hooked together. ‘Bam, bam, bam, bam, bam,” said Dockery. “Then you could hear different sounds a different, deeper, like a different type of gun.”
According to police, an AK-47 was then found in some bushes directly behind where the man was hiding. No word yet on his identity, but the rifle appears to be one of the weapons used during the shooting.
“It appears it was a gun battle between multiple parties,” said Atlanta Police Captain Cliff Johnson.
Investigators said they are looking for at least five shooters. Five different guns were used during the shootout, according to police.
No one was injured, but close to cars and three buildings were hit by the gunfire.
Police promised an extra presence around Midtown Atlanta, while releasing a statement from the Mayor's Office:
“Public safety is Mayor Kasim Reed’s number one priority. These types of crimes will not be tolerated in the City of Atlanta, and those responsible for this senseless and reckless shooting will be brought to justice.
"In the year since Mayor Reed met with Midtown residents and implemented a plan to address crime in the area, crime rates have decreased.
"Mayor Reed and the Atlanta Police Department remain steadfast in their commitment to protect Midtown residents, as well as every neighborhood in the city, and residents and visitors can take comfort knowing we are work hard every day to keep them safe.”
So far, no arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call Atlanta Police or Crime Stoppers.
“Public safety is Mayor Kasim Reed’s number one priority. These types of crimes will not be tolerated in the City of Atlanta, and those responsible for this senseless and reckless shooting will be brought to justice.
In the year since Mayor Reed met with Midtown residents and implemented a plan to address crime in the area, crime rates have decreased.
Mayor Reed and the Atlanta Police Department remain steadfast in their commitment to protect Midtown residents, as well as every neighborhood in the city, and residents and visitors can take comfort knowing we are work hard every day to keep them safe.”