Atlanta Driver Shot In Head, Hits Pedestrian

ATLANTA, GA — A driver in Atlanta was shot in the head last week, slamming his car into a light pole, a store front and, ultimately, a pedestrian before coming to a stop, police said.

At about 9:48 p.m. on Thursday, Atlanta Police were called to 812 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. When they arrived, they learned that a shooting victim had been driving on that street when he was shot in the head.

After being shot, the driver lost control of his vehicle and hit a utility pole and a store facade before hitting a pedestrian who was near the scene, police said.

Both the driver and pedestrian were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. The pedestrian had serious leg injuries, according to police, and the shooting victim was listed in critical but stable condition.

Investigators say the shooter confronted two people outside the Food Mart Grocery. After they went inside the store, the shooter pulled a firearm and shot several times in the direction of the street, hitting the driver, police said.

The shooter then got into a black Toyota Avalon with the Missouri tag CN3-Z4M, which was waiting at a nearby intersection, police said. The Avalon headed west on Ralph David Abernathy. The shooter is described only as a black male wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt, black and white basketball shorts and black and white tennis shoes.

Investigators are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers. Information on the case or suspect can be submitted anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or online at www.stopcrimeatl.com. Persons do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2,000 for the arrest and indictment of a suspect.

Watch a surveillance video of the shooter pulling his handgun and firing at what appears to be a random vehicle passing by:

Photo courtesy Atlanta Police Department