Suspect accused of shooting man at Decatur Library surrenders

Editor’s note: The video above is from previous coverage.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The suspect accused of shooting a man in the Decatur Library has surrendered after three days on the run, authorities said Thursday.

Deputies said Medicus Brown, 44, turned himself in at the DeKalb County Jail. He was booked on charges of aggravated assault with the intent to murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Brown surrendered after deputies conducted an operation at a Stone Mountain hotel near the intersection of Memorial Drive and Rockbridge Road, where Brown had been staying, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police identify suspect in shooting at Decatur Library

On Monday, DeKalb County police were called to the library off Sycamore Street, where they found a man with a gunshot wound. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital and is still in critical condition, according to officers.

The shooting happened in the library’s computer room. Brown’s arrest warrant said an argument led to a fist fight before Brown fired his handgun five times, hitting the victim in the head once.

The warrant also says police were previously called after the same two people got into a fight over a cell phone. It’s unclear when that incident happened.

The library branch will remain closed through Monday, Feb. 9, officials confirmed on Thursday. It will reopen with an increased police presence.

DeKalb County police are also working with the library system to conduct a security assessment of the location.

“Our focus is on supporting our staff and patrons while taking thoughtful steps to enhance safety,” DeKalb County Public Library Director Alison Weissinger said in a statement. “Libraries are places of learning, connection, and belonging, and we are committed to reopening the Decatur branch with additional measures in place to help ensure a safe environment for everyone.”

In December, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved $1.9 million to upgrade security camera systems across the county’s libraries. Work is expected to begin soon.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.