Crime & Safety

3 Teens Shot as Crowds Leave Screen on the Green

Suspect arrested in shooting.

Three teenagers were shot Thursday night as crowds left Screen on the Green at Piedmont Park. 

Witnesses say the shootings occurred when two groups began fighting at Peachtree and 10th streets, said Atlanta police spokesman Carlos Campos. It happened around 11 p.m. just as thousands of people were leaving the screening of "Sixteen Candles."

Police found one of the victims, an 18-year-old male, behind the at Crescent Avenue and 10th Street. He was wounded in lower left leg and transported to Atlanta Medical Center.

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A second victim, a 17-year-old male, later showed up at Southern Regional Hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper right leg, Campos said. 

A third victim, a 16-year-old male, also showed up later at Grady Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound to his lower right leg, Campos said.

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All three victims were listed in stable condition at the time, he said. 

Police arrested 18-year-old Christopher Thornton in the incident. An officer on the scene Sgt. Bob Albertini said police apprehended Thornton, who fled on foot, at 11th and Juniper streets. Police found a handgun on the teenager, Campos said. 

He said police aren't sure if the teens attended Screen on the Green. 

"Preliminary investigation determined that witnesses reported two groups of black males fighting with each other at the intersection of Peachtree and 10th streets after leaving the Screen on the Green event," Campos said. "We have not been able to corroborate accounts of whether participants in the incident attended the event, however."

Police continue to investigate the case. 

"It should be noted that there were no major incidents at the Screen on the Green event itself, or  in Piedmont Park. Atlanta Police presence has been increased to ensure the safety of patrons at the event," Campos said. 

Albertini said officers patrolling Screen on the Green assisted the operation. "We had tight security tonight," he said. "They had all their resources out here."


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