ATLANTA — Several Atlanta schools dismissed students later than usual after a lockdown on Wednesday afternoon.
The shelter-in-place order was lifted in midtown Atlanta while police investigated an active shooter that left one dead and four others injured.
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Atlanta Public Schools announced several schools would be on lockdown out of an abundance of caution for the remainder of the day.
Students in the Midtown and Washington clusters, along with Stanton Elementary School, King Middle School, Wesley International Charter School and Dunbar Elementary School, were included in the lockdown.
After the shelter-in-place order was lifted, APS officials dismissed students.
APS officials released a public safety alert that read:
“APS community, as the area immediately surrounding 1110 West Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta remains under a shelter-in-place due to an active shooter, several Atlanta Public Schools will operate on exterior lockdown for the remainder of the day, out of an abundance of caution, until we receive further information from authorities. Our campuses are secure, this is out of an abundance of caution. Families, this may create traffic issues which could result in bus delays this afternoon. We appreciate your patience.”
Atlanta Public Schools Safety Alert pic.twitter.com/uLdotBhUgF
— ATL Public Schools (@apsupdate) May 3, 2023
APS said counselors will be available for students, faculty, and staff on Thursday. There is also a number for APS families to call, 404-727-9355.
Multiple agencies, including Atlanta police, Atlanta fire, MARTA police, Georgia Tech police, and the Georgia State Patrol, responded to the situation in midtown.
Police identified the alleged shooter as 24-year-old Deion Patterson. He was arrested at a Cobb County apartment complex on Wednesday evening.
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