ATLANTA — Friends and family of an Atlanta man found shot to death near the Beltline are remembering their loved one as a kind, caring and selfless man who volunteered his time to making the city a better place.
On Monday, Channel 2′s Michael Seiden spoke by phone with friends and family of Thomas “Tom” Arnold, 60.
A friend said Arnold went out to eat with friends on Friday night and was walking home near the Beltline when he was shot and killed in Inman Park.
Police haven’t released any details surrounding the circumstances of his death, but friends and family believe he was the target of a random attack.
“Tom didn’t have an enemy,” said a close friend who asked us not to identify him. “Tom was a friend to all and this seems like a random tragedy.”
Arnold’s family released a written statement to Channel 2 Action News in which they described their loved one as “an avid outdoorsman, mountain biker and an active volunteer for Trees Atlanta.”
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Here is the full statement released by Tom’s family:
“Family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones of Thomas Arnold are grieving the profound loss of our beloved Tom. The family has asked for prayers and privacy during this painful time and requests that anyone in the community that might have any information that would help bring justice for Tom to contact the Atlanta Police or anonymous tip line ASAP.
“Tom loved his adopted hometown of Atlanta and was a beloved member of the intown community since moving to the Poncey-Highland neighborhood in 2000. Tom will be remembered for his selflessness, his servant heart, and his genuine care for others. Whenever someone needed a helping hand, Tom was there to lend his.
“Tom was an avid outdoorsman, mountain biker, and an active volunteer for Trees Atlanta. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee and was passionate about the future development of Atlanta and the communities connected by the Atlanta Beltline.
“The tragedy of his death leaves a hole in the lives of his loved ones and friends and darkens the light of the vibrant neighborhood of Inman Park and the Eastside Beltline Trail.”
The Inman Park Neighborhood association also sent Channel 2 the following statement:
“Our Inman Park Community mourns the death of our Poncey-Highland neighbor, Tom Arnold. Our VP of Public Safety has been in contact with Atlanta PD regarding their ongoing investigation. Our neighborhood is dedicated to community and looking out for our neighbors. We hope APD is able to conclude their investigation and find who is responsible for this crime.”
Family members told Channel 2 that they are working with police and plan on announcing an additional reward in the next 24 hours.
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