Reinhardt Student Shot In Head While Sitting In Car

WALESKA, GA -- The Cherokee County community is rallying around a Reinhardt University student who was shot in the head earlier this week in DeKalb County.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created for Malik Lamar Golar, 19, a professional photographer who launched his own business. The campaign is aiming to raise $25,000 to assist with any needs Golar may need on his road to recover. As of Saturday morning, $4,450 has been raised by donors.

According to police, Golar was sitting in a car near Henderson Middle School when he was shot by another male.

The GoFundMe page's creator, Lamar Golar, states the student was shot "unexpectedly with an assault rifle by the shooter who fired three times into the vehicle from the rear passenger window, striking Malik once in the head before fleeing the scene." The alleged shooter, identified as 21-year-old Jamal Kerns, was arrested Friday, June 9 by DeKalb County police and charged with aggravated assault, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

"It is a miracle that Malik survived the shooting and was able to name the last person who was with him prior to the incident," the GoFundMe page goes on to say. "Malik has a long recovery and medical attention and rehabilitation will be extensive. We are asking for support and assistance from those who know and love Malik, as well as from those who are against violence against our youths who are trying to make a positive impact to our society."

Golar was a member of the Southwest DeKalb High School's nationally recognized marching band drumline. After graduating high school, he received a lacrosse scholarship and began studying film and photography at Reinhardt University. As a sophomore, he was a member of the school's lacrosse team, which won the 2017 National Champions at NAIA Men's Lacrosse National Invitational.

Reinhardt University and its president, Dr. Kina Mallard, is encouraging the school's family and community stakeholders rally to assist the student and his family in his time of need.

"He has a long road to recovery ahead, but God is good," Dr. Mallard said. "If you can, please help support his recovery."

Image via GoFundMe