Over the last year, the city of Atlanta has seen a significant increase in the number of shootings and incidents involving guns. After what the Atlanta Journal-Constitution referred to as a “historically deadly year” in 2020, there has been a reported 60% increase in homicides in 2021, making this year more dangerous and deadly than ever before.
In recent months, Atlanta has seen a dramatic increase in assaults with firearms and other deadly weapons than ever before. So far this year:
- There have been at least a reported 45 road rage shootings on metro Atlanta roadways. 15 of these road rage shootings have resulted in fatalities.
- Metro Atlanta shopping centers have been the scene of at least 10 shootings in 2021, surpassing last year’s total of eight.
- There have also been a large number of shootings in Atlanta clubs, gas stations, and apartment complexes.
The increase in assault with a deadly weapon incidents in Atlanta doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, either.
In the early morning hours on June 23, two different shootings occurred at two different gas stations in Dekalb County. The first shooting, which happened at an Exxon on Glenwood near Austin Drive, left two people injured, while two others succumbed to their injuries. According to a Dekalb County Police spokesperson, there were “as many as 50 shots” fired during the incident.
Several hours later, police responded to another shooting at the Chico Food Mart on Memorial Drive, where at least three people were shot, and 30 shell casings were discovered at the scene.
On August 3, a woman suffered injuries after being shot during a dispute with a stranger at a gas station parking lot in southwest Atlanta in the middle of the afternoon.
With more people carrying weapons, whether licensed or illegally obtained, simple arguments and disagreements seem to be escalating faster than ever before into dangerous and potentially deadly situations.
According to CrimeMapping.com, one of Atlanta’s online crime reporting systems, data shows there have been 216 weapon-related incidents (any violation of law that prohibits the sale, purchase, manufacture, transport, possession, or use of a deadly weapon) in the Greater Atlanta area between February and August.
What is considered assault with a deadly weapon in Georgia?
Assault with a deadly weapon is a scary and horrific crime. In Georgia, assault with a deadly weapon falls is defined as a “crime against the person” and is further classified as aggravated assault. If someone shoots at you with a gun, whether from their car or on foot, they are not only committing an act of aggravated assault against you, but they are also committing a civil tort known as assault and battery. Under certain circumstances, you may seek compensation from the owner and/or manager of the premises.
Have you or a loved one been the victim of a shooting or assault with another type of deadly weapon in Atlanta? When individuals experience serious personal injury matters like assault and battery, Atlanta attorney Stephen Apolinsky provides highly experienced legal counsel based on over 33 years of experience helping clients get the compensation they deserve. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Attorneys in Georgia, Stephen Apolinsky can provide the legal expertise you need as the victim of a recent shooting in Atlanta.
The foregoing answers are not legal advice and are merely a general overview. You are advised to consult a lawyer to address your specific situation. For more information or to inquire about a free consultation, contact Stephen D. Apolinsky, an experienced Atlanta injury attorney, at Apolinsky & Associates at (404) 377-9191 or email him at steve@aa-legal.com.
