Atlanta police are currently investigating a shooting that occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Peachtree Center mall, located off Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. The incident, which unfolded around 2:15 p.m. at 235 Peachtree Street, involved four individuals being shot, including the suspect. The area is a bustling hub known for its mix of businesses, restaurants, and hotels.
According to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, the shooting took place within the Peachtree Center Food Court following an altercation between two men. The situation prompted an immediate lockdown of the building as law enforcement responded to the scene.
Authorities have identified the alleged shooter as 34-year-old Jeremy Malone from Morrow. Preliminary investigations by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Atlanta Police Department indicate that Malone initiated a confrontation with a 47-year-old man in the food court, which escalated to gunfire. During the ensuing chaos, Malone reportedly continued shooting, injuring a 69-year-old woman from East Point and a 70-year-old woman from Atlanta as he moved through the food court area.
An off-duty police officer, present at the Peachtree Center, intervened and engaged the suspect, resulting in Malone being shot and apprehended, police officials confirmed.
All victims, including Malone, sustained gunshot wounds and were promptly transported to nearby hospitals. Fortunately, all are expected to recover from their injuries. Malone is currently in police custody.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum revealed during a press conference that Malone has a history as a convicted felon and has been arrested nearly a dozen times prior to this incident.
Fulton County Jail records detail the charges Malone is facing, which include aggravated assault, reckless conduct, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, and third-degree cruelty to children. Five charges in total reflect the severity of the incident at the Peachtree Center food court.
Given that the shooting involved a police officer, the GBI is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting aspect of the incident.
This is an ongoing situation, and details may emerge as the investigation progresses.
