Off-duty security guard killed by car burglars in Midtown Atlanta, police say

ATLANTA - The hunt is on for a pair of car burglars who Atlanta Police say targeted vehicles inside a Midtown Atlanta parking garage early Monday morning. Investigators say the car break-ins are the least of the suspects’ worries because they are now wanted for killing an off-duty security guard.

The family of the security guard, who police say was an innocent bystander, was identified him as 33-year-old Shadarrian Jacobs. 

Atlanta police say the shooting happened around 2 a.m. near the intersection of 3rd and Spring streets.

FOX 5 cameras saw homicide investigators placing multiple evidence markets in the roadway in front of a parking garage early Monday morning.

Nickalus says Shadarrian and him grew up together. 

"He was pretty much like a brother to me," he said. "He was around since like knee-high, so it's just a tragedy that it happened." 

Investigators say the security guard had tried to stop two people attempting to break into vehicles inside the garage.

Nickalus says gunfire erupted after someone confronted car burglars. He says Shadarrian was not involved and a stray bullet hit him in the neck while he ate. 

"It is really just tragic what happened because he wouldn't hurt anybody," Nickalus said. "End of the day he was a family guy and he was just working to provide for his family." 

As the two fled in a car, police say they started shooting, hitting the security guard at least once. He was not able to survive his injuries.

"We're taken aback by the incident," Atlanta Police Lt. Germain Dearlove said. "The homicide unit and the Atlanta Police Department are taking this investigation very seriously and we will work to identify the suspects involved to get them in custody and off our streets."

Georgia Tech students who live in off-campus housing next door called the shooting shocking. 

"It's just really scary that it's right next to us," said Kelsey Bradford. 

"It's definitely concerning, something you want to watch out for," said Brendon Banks. 

So far, police have not arrested anyone, but investigators say there is video of the incident that they hope will help lead them to those responsible. 

Nickalus hopes that happens soon, so they can get some closure, but he says either way his family was robbed of an amazing person. 

"It’s just his energy, just always hardworking and just always being a good person," he said. "I could just come to him for anything." 

At this time, investigators do not have a description of the gunmen.

If you have any information that could help with the investigation, call the Atlanta Police Department.