Atlanta Police are investigating the shooting of a man on the Downtown Connector this morning after he refused to race another driver.

According to the report, officers responded to a 1 a.m. call of a person shot at I-75/85 NB at 17th St. Upon arrival, officers found a male victim in a red Dodge Charger with a gunshot wound.

Preliminary investigation indicates a silver Audi pulled beside the victim as he was driving on the interstate and attempted to race him. The victim stated when he chose not to participate, a suspect occupying the Audi began shooting into his vehicle which resulted in the gunshot wound.

The victim was alert, conscious and breathing and transported to the hospital for treatment.

Collin Kelley is the executive editor of Atlanta Intown, Georgia Voice, and the Rough Draft newsletter. He has been a journalist for nearly four decades and is also an award-winning poet and novelist.