Motorcycle-riding gunman in custody for deadly Alpharetta shooting, police say
Jaden Lewis (Alpharetta Police Department)
ALPHARETTA, Ga. - A 21-year-old Milton man is accused of opening fire while riding a motorcycle through downtown Alpharetta, killing one person.
Jaden Lewis was arrested on Thursday afternoon and charged with murder and aggravated assault.
The shooting happened around 11 p.m. Wednesday along Highway 9 near Milton Avenue.
The Alpharetta Police Department released several images of the shooter riding a motorcycle wearing a black jacket with white patches, black pants, helmet, and gloves. In one image, he is seen pointing a gun. Police say the images of the suspect came from a witness's dash cam.
Justin Mourning, 46, was struck by that gunfire. He was taken to an area hospital, but he later died.
Police say they found multiple shell casings and spoke to several witnesses after the shooting. Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an argument.
"It appears that this shooting incident escalated from an argument that occurred between the victim and a motorcycle operator," said Captain Andrew Splawn of the Alpharetta Police Department. "The altercation and incident occurred in the roadway."
Jaden Lewis waived his first court appearance on Friday morning.
Shooting in Alpharetta shakes residents
Wednesday night’s shooting happened in the normally quiet area of downtown Alpharreta.
"We're just always disappointed when we hear about any kind of crime in the area and this is particularly bad," said Mark Bundy.
"It makes you a little uncomfortable, but it definitely makes you keep your guard up when you're out and about," said Lydia Tessfaye.
Detectives say shootings in downtown Alpharetta are not common.
"This incident is unusual," Spawn said. "Based on the argument that occurred before the shooting, we do believe that it's isolated."
Bundy has a son who works in the area and says this violence is upsetting.
"Anger was my first thought that I don't want that happening in my city," he said. "There's nothing going on that's worth dying for."
Mourning worked at Lumen Technologies. The company sent FOX 5 this statement: "We deeply mourn the tragic loss of a member of the Lumen family. We are doing what we can to comfort his family and those who worked with him."