A South Hairston Road shopping plaza in DeKalb County became the scene of two separate shootings just one day apart, leaving one person dead and three others injured.
Why It Matters: Residents who frequent the busy shopping area near the 1100 block of South Hairston Road now face safety concerns after gunfire erupted twice in the same location on consecutive days, damaging businesses and vehicles.
What Happened: On Friday afternoon, a dispute over perceived disrespect escalated when police say a woman called her boyfriend, 22-year-old Antionne Ryan, who arrived wearing a mask and armed with a gun.
According to witnesses, Ryan shot a man in his late 40s, prompting the victim’s son to return fire, killing Ryan and suffering a gunshot wound himself. Police determined the shooting of Ryan was justified.
Just 24 hours later, multiple suspects, possibly teenagers, arrived at the same plaza in a stolen vehicle and opened fire toward Taste of Jamaica Restaurant. A man in his late 50s was shot in both ankles, while a woman in her early 60s was injured by broken glass.
Police Response: DeKalb County Police are increasing patrols in the area and deploying their Mobile Precinct to potential crime hotspots. Investigators are still searching for the suspects from Saturday’s shooting, who fled into nearby woods after crashing their stolen vehicle.
Community Action: Police officials said preventing violence requires community involvement beyond law enforcement. The county has invested $250,000 in school nonviolence programs where officers teach conflict resolution skills to students.
Anyone with information about the shootings can send tips through the free Tip411 app or by texting “DKPD” to 847411.