Stephen Hasner | | March 20, 2024
ATLANTA — A series of violent incidents has raised concerns for the safety of Georgia State University students. In the latest event, which took place on Monday night, gunfire erupted near the campus in conjunction with a significant traffic collision.
The intersection of Edgewood and Piedmont Avenue became a crime scene as Atlanta Police responded to reports of both gunshots and an automotive accident. Detectives are investigating the possible connection between the two events.
The frequency of shootings in the vicinity has increased despite the recent closure of a local gas station identified by students as a center of trouble. The closure had been implemented following a fatal shooting three weeks prior, intended to curb violence in the area.
Following the incident at the intersection, GSU Police Chief Anthony Coleman disclosed that an altercation between two vehicles escalated into an exchange of gunfire, resulting in one car crashing into a pole, and a GSU bus being struck. There were no student injuries reported. Despite this altercation, Chief Coleman emphasized that the overall crime rate has declined.
The university administration, in light of these incidents, has been actively collaborating with city officials to enhance safety measures for students. Increased police patrols and continuous security system improvements are part of the measures being adopted. Nonetheless, with unabated violence occurring, students express that they are becoming desensitized to the danger surrounding them.
Source: 11Alive.com WXIA