A group of juveniles ejected from Atlantic Station for shooting off fireworks later damaged buildings in Midtown with gunfire.
According to a report from the Atlanta Police Department, officers responded to Atlantic Station on Saturday, Dec. 27, around 7:30 p.m. after a report of shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers observed multiple “unruly juveniles” igniting and discharging fireworks at several locations on the property and into the crowd, according to the police report.
In a social media post on Monday, APD Chief Darin Schierbaum said there were approximately 400 unaccompanied juveniles at Atlantic Station on Saturday night.
As part of the dispersal effort, additional resources were deployed from across the city, including the Phoenix Air Unit, the K-9 Unit, and the Georgia State Patrol. No injuries were reported.
After the juveniles – who ranged in age from 14 to 17 – left the shopping district, a smaller group made their way towards the intersection of 17th and Springs streets, where they began discharging firearms, the report said. Schierbaum said Monday that two of the juveniles pulled guns and fired them while officers were present.
APD detained five of the juveniles, and Schierbaum said investigations are ongoing to see if any of the parents will be charged. The chief said parents need to know where their children are and ensure they are under proper supervision.
The gunfire damaged nearby businesses and a vehicle, according to the report. WSB-TV reported that a portion of 17th and Spring streets were closed due to falling glass from the Invesco building.
Schierbaum said additional officers would be heavily patrolling Atlantic Station – and other areas of the city – as the New Year’s holiday approaches.
General Manager Giovanni Silva reminded parents in the social media post that Atlantic Station has a posted curfew of 3 p.m. for those under 18 unless they are accompanied by a parent. The curfew extends to no one under age 21 on the property after 9 p.m.