The suspect in a downtown Decatur Library shooting remains at large, and library officials report that staff and patrons will not yet return after the “frightening situation” that left one man in critical condition, according to DeKalb County officials.
The Decatur Library has been closed since the evening of Feb. 2, and DeKalb County Public Library officials announced on Feb. 3 the branch would remain closed on Feb. 4.
“We know that many of you are concerned about the incident that occurred yesterday,” read a DeKalb County Public Library statement. “It was a frightening situation, and our staff and patrons were very shaken. We are relieved that they were able to evacuate the building safely.”
Police continue search
City of Decatur Police Department was dispatched to the library, located in the 200 block of Sycamore Street, at 5:10 p.m. Feb. 2 in reference to a person shot. Officers identified an adult male with a gunshot wound. The victim, who has not been identified, was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Decatur Police Lt. John Bender told Rough Draft Atlanta the victim remains in critical condition as of Feb. 3.
Decatur Police identified the suspect as Medicus Brown, 44, of Decatur. The DeKalb County Magistrate Court has issued arrest warrants for aggravated assault with the intent to murder as well as possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for Brown. Police are “still working to locate” Brown, Bender said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual who was injured, his family, and all those affected, including our library employees and patrons who were present and are understandably shaken by this incident,” said Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, DeKalb County CEO.
The Decatur Library will be closed on Feb. 3, according to a statement. There will be updates provided on when the library will reopen at a later date. DeKalb County District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, via an Instagram post, confirmed that library staff would continue cooperating with police and provide an update on reopening when they can.
DeKalb County Library officials in their Facebook post on Feb. 3 expressed gratitude for the community’s concern and support in the aftermath of the shooting.
“Thank you for all of the kind words and messages of support you’ve shared with our staff,” read the statement. “It means a lot to us. Our website will be updated with information about restored operating hours as soon as it becomes available.”
Anyone with additional information on the shooting can contact the Decatur Police Department at (404) 373-6551.