2 teens shot near Marietta park; manhunt for gunman underway
MARIETTA, Ga. - Two teens were rushed to the hospital and a major Marietta roadway has been shut down after a shooting near Elizabeth Porter Park.
Marietta Police say North Marietta Parkway and Allgood Road will be closed for several hours while investigators work to gather evidence.
What we know:
Chuck McPhilamy, the Marietta Police Department's spokesperson, said around 1:24 p.m. officers responded to reports of gunfire in the area. While responding, officers learned the two teens had fled across a major road into a nearby subdivision, prompting multiple 911 calls.
Both victims were transported to local hospitals with injuries that appear to be non-life-threatening. "In all of that process, those two individual teens were both taken to area hospitals — one based on age was taken to Kennestone Hospital, one based on age was taken to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta," McPhilamy said. "Again, both teenagers, both male, both with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries."
McPhilamy said investigators believe one individual was responsible for the shooting but were not ready to release a suspect's description. He said all three involved appeared to know each other.
"Preliminary indications are that it was three individuals, that they all appeared to at least be acquaintances or possibly know each other," he said.
Officers have taped off the area and shut down the roadway while collecting evidence.
Police say investigators collected 10 shell casings and could be seen bagging a pair of shoes.
What we don't know:
Police have not released the names or ages of the victims or a possible reason for the shooting. Police also have not released any possible suspect information.
What you can do:
McPhilamy encouraged anyone with information or surveillance video to contact the department.
"Anyone that was in the area that saw this is requested and encouraged to please contact us. You can do that through our own app — the Marietta PD on your app store — or go in through Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta," he said. "You can remain anonymous and even receive compensation for that anonymous tip."
What's next:
Authorities are working with neighbors to identify the suspect and are asking anyone who notices suspicious activity to call 911.