Atlanta Shooting: 6 Gunmen Sought After Massive Shootout Near Schools

ATLANTA, GA -- Schools in the vicinity of a shootout returned to normal Thursday as police officers continued to search for as many as six gunmen involved in the brazen incident a day before. For more crime news and updates on this and other stories in Atlanta, click here to get Patch's daily newsletter and free, real-time news alerts.

Local law enforcement officials promised a significant police presence near the Rolling Bends Apartments in northwest Atlanta after one person was shot in the skirmish.

About 1 p.m. Wednesday, officers happened upon two groups of gunmen shooting at each other with bullets flying everywhere. Many of the assailants reportedly scurried away into the apartments in the 2500 block of Center Street near Hightower Road. One person was shot and rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, according to WAGA-TV.

“Just a whole bunch of shots like we was in war with someone, people screaming, people hiding and running,” parent Shareka Brazier told the TV station.

Law enforcement converged on the area, checking bus stops after the massive gun battle disrupted classes in the area and sent kids running into the apartment complex, according to news reports.

As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made, but police are continuing to investigate the shooting.

“We intend to have a heavy presence in these areas,” Atlanta police Sgt. Warren Pickard told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We understand that parents are concerned, and we are working in tandem with APS to ensure to ensure the safety of all students.”

Neighbors reported hearing about 100 shots in the skirmish, which led to a temporary lock down of local schools, including Harper Archer Middle Schools, Coretta Scott King Young Women's Leadership Academy, BEST Academy, and Douglass High Schools.

SWAT officers canvassed the neighborhood until about 5 p.m. searching for the gunmen. Social media images showed Army-type trucks along the roadway and squad cars lining the street.

“All schools impacted by the incident yesterday will follow a normal operating schedule today and we will make adjustments as needed,” Atlanta Public Schools spokeswoman Kimberly Willis Green said, the AJC reports.

During the shooting, schoolchildren as well as adults took cover in a community center on the apartment building grounds.

“Everybody just hit the floor and we all started crawling down the hallway to the bathroom,” the Rev. Larry Hill told WAGA.

Image via APD Sgt. Warren Pickard / Twitter