Man shot at Briscoe Park in Snellville less than 24 hours after shooting that hospitalized 5 teens

SNELLVILLE, Ga. - Officials in Snellville are stepping up security measures at Briscoe Park after two separate shootings over the weekend left six people injured, including five teenagers and an adult man.

Police said five teens, ranging in age from 14 to 17, were shot Saturday night during what they described as a large gathering of young people. All are expected to recover.

Less than 24 hours later, on Sunday afternoon, another man was shot in the head during a domestic dispute at the park, according to investigators. The victim is now in stable condition.

Briscoe Park shooting

What we know:

According to Snellville police, officers were called to Briscoe Park around 2:30 p.m. where they found an adult male with a gunshot wound. Investigators believe there was some sort of argument or disagreement between the victim and another male prior to the shooting.  

Shaunte Pitt, a retired combat veteran who was at the park with his family for a flag football game, ran toward the gunfire to help the man who was shot.

"I'm a retired combat vet so we're trained to run this way," Pitt said. "But I ran this way as a dad."

Pitt said he found the man with a gunshot wound to the head. "When I looked at him at first he wasn't talking, his other eye wasn't open. He was shot on this side," he said, pointing to his head.

While the shooting didn’t involve anyone at the flag football game, Pitt said what disturbed him most was how close it happened to children.

"That right there ma'am was adults and they're willing to shoot and kill each other around 80-100 kids and that's a problem," he said.

The park, which is typically filled with children and families, has left residents concerned following the violence.

"There are a bunch of kids and parents that are out here every day," said tennis coach Wade Doucette. "So we just want to make sure that we keep the status quo of a nice, quiet, family-oriented park."

In response, Snellville police are increasing patrols, and the city is bringing in private security. Officials also plan to install new lighting and surveillance cameras throughout the park.

"For our babies — 80 to 100 of them — to be up here trying to enjoy their flag football on a Sunday afternoon, when I walked back up here to see that on their face was more of an emotional issue for me, my daughters crying, than anything," Pitt said.

What we don't know:

The victim, who police have not identified, was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

According to police, a suspect in the case has been identified and fled the area in a vehicle.

Police said they have identified several persons of interest in Saturday's shooting and are continuing to follow leads related to Sunday’s incident. No arrests have been announced.

Dig deeper:

This shooting comes after five teenagers, ages 14 to 17, were hospitalized after a shooting at the park on Saturday night. In that incident, witnesses reported seeing two large groups arguing before gunfire erupted. Authorities say they have identified several persons of interest but have not announced any arrests in the case.

Local perspective:

On Sunday evening, parents played with their children and others gathered in the popular park to enjoy the sunshine after days of rain. Chaka Diarrassouba, a former Gwinnett County school counselor, kicked a soccer ball with his brother-in-law as officers investigated across the parking lot. 

"Coming out here and seeing this, I wouldn’t want to put him in any environment that I don’t think is safe. It’s just a little concerning and a little nerve-racking to see this on a regular Sunday evening," Diarrassouba said. 

Down the sidewalk, Chris Drown walked, throwing a football with his young son. Drown moved to Snellville in 2007 because it was "a perfect place to raise a family." Since then, he’s noticed a shift. 

"You can tell the environment, the climate, the chemistry is changing, It’s getting a little different," Drown told FOX 5. The recent violence has him reconsidering visiting the park with his family.

Youth violence is of particular concern to the father of three. 

"If they can just get along and handle their disputes a little different, then something would give. I think they should leave the gun violence alone and speak more, have more conversations," Drown said. 

As a former educator, Diarrassouba had heard of incidents like this from students but never encountered one firsthand. Following the events of the weekend, Diarrassouba urges parents and the community to step up and come together for the next generation. 

"We have to ensure that we’re investing significantly into our youth to make sure this community is safe. It takes all, not just one. So, be informed about what’s going on and be there for your kids," Diarrassouba said.

City increasing security after shootings

What they're saying:

In response to the shootings, the city of Snellville announced that it will be increasing patrols and hiring additional private security to ensure residents are safe.

The city is also planning to implement a new lighting and security camera plan for the park.

"These isolated incidents are extremely concerning and will not be tolerated," said Mayor Barbara Bender. "Be assured, T.W. Briscoe Park is and will remain a safe place for visitors to enjoy. We are taking these events very seriously and are working hard to ensure they do not happen again by increasing security efforts there immediately."

What you can do:

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into both cases and is asking the public for information. If you know anything that could help in the investigations, contact the City of Snellville Police Department at (770) 985-3555.

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