Rainbow Creek Drive shooting: Juvenile male critically injured

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A juvenile male was critically injured in a shooting at a neighborhood park in Decatur on Thursday, according to the DeKalb County Police Department.

The incident occurred at Rainbow Creek Community Park, located at 2624 Rainbow Creek Drive, around 11 a.m. Officers responding to the scene found the boy suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute, though no further details have been released about the victim or a potential suspect.

DeKalb County police investigate a shooting along Rainbow Creek Drive on Jan. 2, 2024. (FOX 5)

Residents in the Rainbow Creek subdivision were shocked by the violence. Dexter Smalls, a longtime community member, said he and his wife were preparing to watch the Georgia Bulldogs football game when they heard gunfire.

"My wife and I were here getting ready for the football game and I heard, I’m not sure if I heard one or two shots, but I did hear at least one shot," Smalls said. When he stepped outside, he saw teenagers running away from the park.

Smalls, an educator, expressed sadness over the shooting, saying it was unexpected in a typically peaceful neighborhood. "In this particular neighborhood we don’t have a whole lot of activity like that going on. We’re a pretty tight-knit community. So it was surprising to see all those police cars and things of that nature," he said.

Police were seen examining the basketball courts and parking lot of the park as part of their investigation. SKYFOX 5 captured aerial footage of the scene around 12:30 p.m., showing officers scouring the area for evidence.

DeKalb County police investigate a shooting along Rainbow Creek Drive on Jan. 2, 2024. (FOX 5)

Smalls added, "It’s heartbreaking, man. I don’t know what happened to the kid. I haven’t really heard anything else. But it’s always heartbreaking when you hear of any gun activity, especially with young people."

Authorities have not released the identity of the victim or announced any arrests in connection with the shooting. Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward.

"I hope they pull through and their family can continue enjoying the rest of the holiday season," Smalls said.

DeKalb County police investigate a shooting along Rainbow Creek Drive on Jan. 2, 2024. (FOX 5)

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the DeKalb County Police Department at (404) 294-2911. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at DeKalb Police Tip411.