A southwest Atlanta neighborhood was shaken on the afternoon of Thursday, December 11, after a confrontation outside a residential home ended with two teenagers being shot.
Police have since confirmed the homeowner involved is now under arrest as the investigation moves forward. According to WSB-TV, the Atlanta Police Department identified the suspect as Rakim Bradford. Authorities say he has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, along with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 3:30 p.m. in the Celeste Lane SW area.
Investigators allege the shooting happened after the homeowner discovered the teens outside his residence during an attempted package theft. What began as a property crime quickly escalated, leaving both juveniles wounded by gunfire. One of the victims, a 15-year-old, suffered a gunshot wound to the foot. The second teen was struck in the right arm.
Both were transported to a nearby hospital, where one victim was initially listed in critical condition. Medical officials later confirmed the teen is expected to survive after undergoing surgery.
Residents in the area described the scene as alarming and difficult to process. Neighbor Israel Dortch recalled hearing the shot from inside his home.
“It’s just a very sad and unfortunate situation,” neighbor Israel Dortch told the news outlet. “I was up in my room, heard a gunshot, went out on the balcony, and I saw paramedics assisting somebody.
It’s unclear if the teens at the center of the property theft will face charges.
