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Man shot to death by car break-in suspect at NW Atlanta apartments

By and FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Updated  October 4, 2024 7:10pm EDT
Atlanta
FOX 5 Atlanta

Deadly car break-in in West Midtown

Police say a car break-in led to a deadly shooting at a West Midtown apartment complex. It happened on Huff Road in northwest Atlanta just after midnight. Now the hunt is on for the person responsible.

In brief:

    • An armed car burglar fatally shot a vehicle owner and is currently being sought by the police.
    • The incident occurred around 12:15 a.m. Friday at the Avana Westside apartment complex.
    • The victim did not survive despite being taken to Grady Memorial Hospital.
    • Residents express concern over safety and the need for better security following the shooting.
    • The carjacking and murder have sparked discussions about the broader problem of car break-ins in Atlanta.

ATLANTA - An armed car burglar is on the run after Atlanta police say he shot the owner of a vehicle into which he was seen breaking.  

Investigators say it happened at about 12:15 a.m. Friday at the Avana Westside apartment complex on Huff Road.  

"That's wild, that’s very shocking," said Maurice Chester.  

"We've had some break-ins in this area, especially in the Midtown, West Midtown area," said Brent Underwood. "It's been going on for a while now, but it's definitely alarming when you hear someone lost a life trying to defend their own property."  

The victim, identified as 45-year-old Tasmin Harris, was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, but he did not survive. After the shooting, Atlanta Police say the suspect took off.  

"I feel like there's cameras, I've seen them around," Chester said. "I hope that they can find them, it's a pretty high traffic area."  

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The shooting has apartment complex residents concerned. Some believe they need more security to prevent incidents like this from happening again.  

One person who lives at the complex believes these types of crimes are a citywide issue that should be addressed.  

"They've put more lighting in there, but that still doesn't really protect someone from wanting to break into your car if they see something that they want," Underwood said.  

"I've never had a problem, but that is something I think you think twice, but it is it it is what it is," Chester said.  

No suspect info has been released. If you know anything about this case, call the Atlanta Police Department. 

The Source

  • Atlanta Police Department