Watch dispute sparks gunfire: Four teens injured in Atlanta apartment shooting

ATLANTA - A dispute over a watch erupted into gunfire at a southeast Atlanta apartment complex Thursday night, leaving four young people, including a 12-year-old, wounded and police searching for the shooter.

What we know:

Officers responded just after 8 p.m. to the Capitol Vanira Apartments in the 900 block of Hank Aaron Drive SW at Vanira Avenue. Police said they found an 18-year-old, a 15-year-old, a 14-year-old and a 12-year-old, each with gunshot wounds to the leg. All the victims were alert, conscious and breathing before being taken to the hospital.

Witnesses told FOX 5 the shooting happened outside one of the apartment doors. Tensions quickly rose as families and residents clashed at the scene. Officers intervened to separate groups and prevent a fight as emotions ran high over the shooting of young victims.

It appears the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute over a watch.

What they're saying:

Fifteen-year-old Jaden Battle, now back home on crutches with his leg in a cast, described the moments before bullets flew. "What was you going to get out of this shooting little kids about a watch. Like it’s crazy," Battle said.

Battle told FOX 5 Atlanta that the trouble began when he and his friends spotted another teen wearing a watch that belonged to one of them. He said they took it back, but the teen’s mother accused them of stealing. According to Battle, the woman then made a phone call for someone to come handle the situation.

"Five minutes later a black truck pull up, come around the apartments, stop by us and start shooting at us," Battle said. "My little brother got hit, I got shot in the leg and my friend got shot in the leg two times."

Kevin Best rushed to the hospital after learning both Battle and his 12-year-old son were among the victims. "All he kept doing crying saying why did they shoot me why did they shoot me," Best said.

Neighbors described a chaotic scene as gunfire rang out. Robert Jackson, who lives in the complex, said he dropped to the floor when the shots started. "I hit the ground. Last shot I came up with my revolver in my hand and came out the door and I seen them carrying the kids up the stairs bleeding, blood everywhere," Jackson said.

Atlanta police installed a mobile surveillance camera at the complex Friday as the search for the gunman continued.

Some residents are shaken, including Earl Robinson, who said his children often play outside where the shooting took place. "I’m just stunned. My kids are out here playing everyday. Luckily my kids were at football practice yesterday, last night, but it was just wrong," Robinson said.

Relatives told FOX 5 that at least some of the boys were taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

What we don't know:

Investigators said three teenagers and the younger child were struck in the legs and taken to a hospital. Police have not said whether their injuries are life-threatening.

Police have not released the names of those injured or said whether a suspect has been identified.

Investigators have not confirmed a motive.

What's next:

Atlanta police have installed a mobile surveillance camera at the complex as the search continues for the shooter. 

What you can do:

Officers are urging anyone with information to contact the department.