1 dead, 4 injured in Midtown medical building shooting, suspect captured

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - An hours-long search for the suspect wanted in connection to an “active shooter” at a medical building in Midtown ended Wednesday evening. At least one person died and four others were injured in the shooting that happened just after noon.

It happened at 1100 West Peachtree Street in a building that houses several medical offices and is operated by Northside Hospital.

Police shared a photo of the suspected shooter and identified him as 24-year-old Deion Patterson.

The suspected shooter’s mother, Minyone Patterson, a registered nurse, told Atlanta News First investigator Andy Pierrotti earlier in the day that she was with the police and cooperating with them. She said if there was anything she could do to help apprehend him safely, she would.

Just before 3 p.m., police lifted the shelter-in-place advisory, “but we continue asking everyone to remain out of the area of this active investigation.” They said no additional shots have been fired since the initial shooting.

Atlanta News First spoke directly to the mother of the suspected Northside Medical Center shooter. She issued an apology to the city of Atlanta. She also apologized to the victim’s families. Her full statement is as follows:

First and foremost, I want to give my sincere, sincere apology to the families that were injured and killed. My son was always a protector. No one that would hurt anybody. And even in his time of need, he was still trying to help others. That’s just the person he’s always been. A happy, beautiful child. Always. He doesn’t know. He doesn’t know right now. Please. This mental illness is real, and when we say it’s real, from the medical standpoint, it is real. And when someone is saying they need help, or you see that they are acting out of sorts, they need help. Help them, just don’t disregard them. They need help, and as I’m trying to advocate for my son he was turned away. Just be careful.
Minyone Patterson, Mother of Deion Patterson, Suspected Northside Medical Center Midtown Shooter

Midtown shooting suspect — Midtown shooting suspect(APD)

Police said he was believed to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Crime Stoppers increased their reward up to $10,000 in this case.

Atlanta Police officers said a vehicle was carjacked from 14th Street and Williams Street, not long after the shooting and was since recovered by law enforcement in Cobb County.

Cobb County Police later confirmed that the car the suspect stole was found near The Battery.

Grady Hospital’s Robert Janson said three victims are in critical condition and two are undergoing surgery.

“We are completely prepared and we have all the staff we needed,” Janson said.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Police Chief Darin Schierbaum spoke hours after the shooting.

RELATED: Here is what we know about the deadly Midtown Atlanta shooting

In a statement, Northside Hospital said they are cooperating with law enforcement.

Atlanta Public Schools said they were operating on an “exterior lockdown.” Midtown and Washington clusters, along with Stanton Elementary, King Middle, Wesley International Charter, and Dunbar Elementary, dismissals were held for a short time, they said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have dispatched officers at every school for today’s dismissal. Because of the late release, please expect transportation delays today,” a spokesperson for the district said.

MARTA said service continues to operate normal schedules and that their Tactical Field Officers and Special Operations Team officers are assisting APD. They added that there are extra officers at stations to “ensure the safety of our patrons.”

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon, in which it said, “The Coast Guard is aware of the tragic incident in Atlanta allegedly involving Mr. Deion Patterson. Our deepest sympathies are with the victims and their families.

“The Coast Guard Investigative Service is working closely with the Atlanta Police Department and local authorities in the investigation. Mr. Patterson entered the Coast Guard in July 2018 and last served as an Electrician’s Mate Second Class. He was discharged from active duty in January 2023.”

This is the 10th mass shooting in Georgia in 2023, according to the National Gun Violence Archive. It is the 190th in the United States, officials say.

West Peachtree Street in Midtown remains closed from 10th Street to 15th Street.

Atlanta News First has a crew on the scene and is working to learn more. Return for updates.

Update as of 12:42pm - We are working an active shooter situation inside a building on West. Peachtree St, between 12th St and 13th St. We are aware of multiple people injured. No suspect is in custody.
— Atlanta Police Department (@Atlanta_Police) May 3, 2023

Atlanta Police are on the scene of an active shooter at a medical building in Midtown. — Atlanta Police are on the scene of an active shooter at a medical building in Midtown. (Atlanta News First)

FULL COVERAGE OF MIDTOWN ATLANTA MASS SHOOTING:

This is an active investigation. Don’t forget to download our Atlanta News First app for the most up-to-date information.

Copyright 2023 WANF. All rights reserved.