Man accused in Piedmont Park shooting identified
Convicted felon facing charges after park shootout
Atlanta police charged 21-year-old Marquise Brown following a daytime shootout at Piedmont Park. The incident began as an argument near the park pavilion before shots were fired, leaving no injuries reported. Two other individuals were released but remain persons of interest in the ongoing investigation.
ATLANTA - A 21-year-old convicted felon faces multiple charges after gunfire erupted during an argument in Piedmont Park on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Atlanta Police Investigation
What we know:
Gunfire broke out near the pavilion, close to the activity oval and tennis courts at 1073 Piedmont Avenue NE, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
The shooting happened around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after an argument escalated, investigators said.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed no one was injured. He added that there was no threat to the public.
Police arrested Marquise Brown.
Marquise Brown booking photo (Credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office)
ORIGINAL STORY: 2 arrested, 1 on the run after shots fired at Piedmont Park, police say
Brown is charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession or distribution intent of controlled substances, police said. Officers confirmed he was carrying a gun and drugs when they took him into custody.
Atlanta police said Brown also had an outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction.
Investigators have recovered a rifle and a pistol.
Officers released two adult males who were held during the initial investigation after determining they were not suspects.
Atlanta police said that both men remain persons of interest as the investigation continues.
Atlanta police are investigating after a report of shots fired near Piedmont Park. (FOX5)
What we don't know:
Police have not released whether anyone else will face charges in addition to Brown.
Police have not identified the outside jurisdiction holding the warrant for Brown.
The backstory:
Park visitors expressed mixed feelings as setup began Thursday for the upcoming Shaky Knees Music Festival. "Part of living in the city, but it does seem more often that personal disputes end up with gunfire," park walker Suzanne said. Roman Vandiver urged officials to increase visible security, noting, "There was only two park rangers. As big as Piedmont is, you need more than two people."
Despite the afternoon gunfire, thousands of people gathered at the park later Wednesday evening for a free Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concert. Suzanne said the presence of police and the mayor reassured her to stay for the event. "It's not going to keep me out of the park," she added, calling the space her big backyard where she walks her dog daily.
*Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect new information from the Atlanta Police Department regarding individuals who were initially detained at the scene.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the Atlanta Police Department, who provided statements following the incident, as well as prior FOX 5 Atlanta reporting.