1 dead, 1 injured trying to stop crooks breaking into cars in southeast Atlanta

ATLANTA - Police said two people were shot at an apartment in southeast Atlanta on Friday afternoon while trying to stop a car break-in.

"Both of these victims were not doing anything wrong at all," Lt. Ralph Woolfolk explained. "They came outside, they were trying to intercede in some individuals trying to break into their car." 

It happened a little after 4:30 p.m. at the Auburn Glen apartments located at 49 Boulevard SE.

Atlanta police said officers found two people suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Both were rushed to the hospital. Police said a 31-year-old man was in critical condition when he was transported and later died.

"We're gonna have to stand in a family's living room tonight and let a mother know that their son is lost in reference to an incident this heinous," the lieutenant said. 

The other victim was only identified as a 29-year-old woman.

The names of the man and woman were not yet released.

 "It's definitely unfortunate, and I definitely feel bad for that person's family," Diamond Newchurch, who was visiting a friend at the complex, said. "Prayers go out to them for sure." 

Investigators said the man and woman were trying to stop at least two individuals who were seen breaking into cars.

Police said the suspects were last seen riding scooters through the garage.

 "The information we've been able to receive is there were individuals inside of the parking deck. They were on Bird Scooters traveling through the parking deck. They were breaking into  multiple cars inside of the parking deck," Lt. Woolfolk said. 

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the Atlanta Police Department.