/Atlanta-Shopping-District-Shooting.jpg "Police blocked off access to a popular Atlanta shopping district Saturday night following reports of a shooting.
(Photo: WSB via CNN)")
At least one person was killed and five others were injured in a shooting near Atlanta's Atlantic Station retail district on Saturday night, according to police. The incident occurred after a dispute escalated into gunfire.
A "group of juveniles" was escorted off Atlantic Station property around 8 p.m. by off-duty Atlanta police officers and Atlantic Station personnel, according to Atlanta Police Homicide Commander Lt. Germain Dearlove.
"They were expelled from Atlantic Station for disorderly conduct and curfew violations," Dearlove told reporters.
According to Dearlove, the group moved to 17th Street, where the dispute escalated to gunfire.
"One male was pronounced dead at the scene, and multiple victims were transported to local hospitals," Dearlove stated. Currently, homicide investigators are on the scene working to establish a case lead, gather suspect information, and identify the parties involved.
According to Dearlove, five individuals with gunshot wounds are being treated at local hospitals.
While authorities work to determine the ages of the victims, Dearlove stated that police believe they are between 15 and 21 years old.
"We are still working to identify and determine exactly what transpired," Dearlove stated, adding that it is possible that there were two shooters because the dispute was "between two groups."
Dearlove would not disclose where the group was located on the expansive midtown Atlanta commercial property before their removal, instead deferring to Atlantic Station personnel.
According to the official website of the shopping district, all individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 3:00 p.m., and groups of four or more minors "will be dispersed."
A spokesperson for Atlantic Station stated in a statement to CNN, "Atlantic Station Security is collaborating with APD on this matter and has indicated that there is no active threat to the property. During this active investigation, we are collaborating closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community.
