Gunfire erupted at an Atlanta medical facility on Wednesday, killing at least one woman and wounding four more as police searched for the assailant, authorities said.
Police were searching for 24-year-old Deion Patterson, who is believed to be the gunman whose picture was taken by security cameras, officials said.
Residents were asked to stay away from the neighborhood of 1110 W. Peachtree St. after an “active shooter” was reported at about 12:30 p.m., officials said. A shelter-in-place order by Atlanta police was lifted just after 3 p.m.
“We are currently aware of five shooting victims related to this situation,” said a police statement. “Four have been transported to the hospital for treatment and a fifth has been pronounced deceased on scene.”
The victims, who are all women, were not immediately identified.
The fatally wounded victim was 39, while the wounded were ages 71, 56, 39 and 25, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum told reporters.
Patterson fled in a vehicle he carjacked and later abandoned, Schierbaum added.
Police posted pictures of a suspect who was “still at large.” They later identified him as Patterson.
If anyone sees Patterson, they are being asked to call 911 and not engage with him.
Patterson was at the medical facility for an appointment with his mother, police told NBC News.
A woman who answered at a number associated with the suspect’s mother declined to answer questions and handed the phone to an Atlanta police officer.
“Based on our preliminary investigation, these are photos believed to be of the active shooter,” said a police statement. “Anyone with any information on this person’s whereabouts is asked to call 911. The suspect is believed to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached.”
The four wounded, all adults, were rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, where three were listed in critical condition, Chief Medical Officer Robert Jansen told reporters. (NBC)
