ATLANTA — Atlanta police are looking for three men they have identified as people of interest in the deadly shooting outside Lenox Square over the weekend.
Investigators released surveillance photos Monday of men that they want to talk to about the shooting.
The shooting happened in the mall’s parking lot outside of the Cheesecake Factory around 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Officers said two groups had gotten into an argument over a parking spot and then someone pulled a gun and shot one of the men, killing him.
The victim is described as “approximately 25 years old," police said. His identity has not been released pending notification of family.
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Police said the four suspects immediately got into a vehicle and tried to drive off but crashed while still in the parking lot. The suspects then ran from the scene.
An off-duty Cobb County police office detained one person, but later released him Monday after authorities determined he was not responsible for the shooting.
Lenox Square released a statement, saying:
"(Sunday) night’s tragedy at Lenox Square is unacceptable and our hearts go out to the victim’s family and friends. The safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees is of the utmost importance. We are currently in discussions with the Mayor and the Atlanta Police Department to ensure that appropriate, additional security measures are being taken in the Buckhead area, including Lenox Square. We have more than tripled our security and police presence at Lenox Square. Sixteen security and police personnel were on property yesterday at the time of the incident. Recent incidents that have impacted both the area and the surrounding community are reflective of broader societal trends that are unacceptable and we are working relentlessly with community leaders to address. Moving forward, as this is an ongoing police matter, all inquiries should be directed to the Atlanta Police Department.”
A metro group has started an online petition asking police and Simon Properties, which owns Lenox Square, to improve security at the mall.
This is the fourth shooting at the mall in four months and the first to leave someone dead.
On Feb. 10, a man was shot in the stomach after a group met for a “prearranged sale” at the food court.
A man was shot by a police officer in a parking deck Jan. 18 during a robbery. Police said the man who was shot was actually a friend of the robbery victim but wouldn’t put down his weapon. The robber was arrested. Both men were charged.
On Dec. 20, 2019, two men robbed and shot a mall employee as she walked to her car in the parking garage.
Anyone with information about the men pictured in the photos released by police, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.
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