Police: Shooting outside Atlanta Pre-K graduation

ATLANTA - Gunshots rang out after two graduation ceremonies ended at the Campbellton Road Community Center late Thursday morning.

Atlanta Police cited Jatavius Sims for discharging a weapon within city limits. Witnesses told FOX 5's Portia Bruner the 33-year-old father fired shots at the family of his children's mother because he was upset she showed up for their children's pre-kindergarten graduation ceremony.

Police were called to the center just after 11 a.m.

APD Sergeant Eric Teague said Sims discharged the weapon toward the ground because he felt threatened.

"He said he didn't point it in their direction, but fired it just to scare them off because they were disputing over custody issues with the children," Teague said after Sims was released.

Witnesses said they were stunned anyone would fire a weapon while families with children were filing out of such a special occasion. A man who said Sam's threatened him was frustrated to see Sims leave with a citation and not in police custody.

"I don't see how you can fire shots with people and children around and just get to ride off like that. That doesn't make any sense to me," said the children's uncle who asked not to be identified.