Gunfire Erupts Behind Oakhurst Elementary After Shoe Deal Goes Bad

DECATUR, GA — Gunfire erupted outside Oakhurst Elementary on Thursday afternoon when two groups of men were attempting to complete a sale on two pairs of shoes.

Police said two men came to Oakhurst Elementary as a safe place to sell the shoes made through an online transaction. They initially met with the buyers, two other men males, behind the school but were worried the transaction was not legitimate and left.

The buyers called them back and asked that they return to sell the shoes. They met with one of the potential customers near the adjacent playground but he said he didn't have enough money to pay the agreed-upon price. That's when the second buyer suddenly appeared from behind the school and fired a gunshot toward the victims.

The victims fled to their vehicle and the suspects fled toward Feld Avenue. The victims were not struck by the gunshot but one man scraped his thigh after falling down while running.

One suspects is described as a black male, late teens-early 20’s, slender build, approximately 5'6"-5'9", light complexion, wearing dark shorts, a light colored shirt and Nike shoes. The second suspect is described as a black male, late teens-early 20’s, stocky build, approximately 6” tall, medium complexion, wearing dark pants, a blue or black hooded sweatshirt and armed with a black handgun.

"Please exercise extreme caution when arranging to meet to conduct purchases made through online websites and apps," said Decatur Police Lt. Jennifer Ross. "The front lobby of the Decatur Police Department is open 24 hours a day and can easily be used as a meeting place. If a seller refuses to meet at a police department, you may want to avoid making the purchase. Trust your instincts and back out of any meeting or transaction where you feel suspicious or unsafe."

Image via Shutterstock