City official: shooting just one reason Atlanta club should close

ATLANTA - A member of Atlanta’s city council said the “wild shootout” early Tuesday morning in the parking lot of a nightclub is just one of the reasons the establishment should be shut down for good.

Atlanta City Councilwoman Felicia Moore said she would like to see city leaders-- including the Police Commanders and the Mayor's Office take steps to close Club Crucial.

Moore said Tuesday’s incident which police said included shots being fired at an officers in the parking lot of the nightclub, is just more proof the club's clientele possess a serious threat to the surrounding community.

Police were called to Club Crucial on Hollowell Parkway just before 2:30 a.m. after a large fight broke out inside the building. As they were headed to the scene, police said there were also reports of shots being fired at the same location.

According to police, the fight inside the club spilled out into the parking lot. Two responding officers arrived on scene and spotted a man with a "long gun." One of the officers ordered the man to drop the weapon and that's when investigators said the suspect fired multiple rounds toward the officer.

“What made me nervous is when I wasn't on the ground hiding and I looked over and saw a police officer ducking on the ground too. He was talking into his radio saying, 'I need backup! I need backup'. There was just too much shooting,” said Carl Bryant about his close call with the gunfire.

Atlanta police said the officer was able to find cover. He was not injured in the shooting. None of the patrons reported serious injuries.

Police later learned a private security guard, identified as Jamal Hunter, fired back at the suspect. Hunter told police after the fight moved outside the suspect started shooting at a black vehicle traveling east. Hunter told the man to drop the weapon and that's when he said the suspect opened fire.

“They can't take their guns inside, so they fight inside and then go outside and get these guns out of their cars. It turns into the OK Corral out here and it's just too dangerous for the people who live and work around here,” Moore said as she stood in front of the club.

Councilwoman Moore said the police department and the legal department would have to look at the pattern of crime at the club over period of time and determine if there is a case for closing the club.

“You can close a club, but the issue is another one can open up in the same place. The bigger issue is taking a look at the clientele. Who are these people who are bringing gun to clubs? That's what we have to do before we try to shut down a business. But this place has been a trouble spot for years and last night is proof something's got to be done to keep this community safe,” said Moore.

Police are still searching for the gunman.