Escape by shootout suspect puts heat on APD

By KENT A. MILES

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta Police plan to review all security features in the new police headquarters building following the escape of a suspect in Wednesday afternoon's shooting at Clark Atlanta University.

Police have been searching since late Wednesday afternoon for the man, who was photographed walking into an APD elevator by a security camera.

The man was last seen fleeing on foot near the 200 block of Peachtree Street.

Police described the suspect as wearing a red T-shirt and blue jeans with a large rip to the left pant leg.

Police are asking anyone with information about the suspect's whereabouts to call 404-577-8477 or call 911. All tips are confidential.

The department completed relocation to its new headquarters from its former home on Ponce de Leon Avenue in late June. It shares space with the fire department in what is officially called the Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters.

The Office of Professional Standards will also conduct "a thorough administrative investigation into the procedures of all personnel involved with this incident," the police department said in a statement. "Additional information will be provided once the criminal and administrative investigation has concluded."

There were two suspects involved in the shooting with Clark Atlanta University police officers Wednesday about three blocks from the campus entrance. One was hit by gunfire and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital.

The second man was detained for questioning.

Police said more than 22 rounds were fired during the exchange.

The university police officers responded to a call of suspicious activity on Parsons Street around 2 p.m. Wednesday, said university spokeswoman Jennifer Jiles.

When they arrived, the officers spotted two unidentified men brandishing guns. Told to drop their weapons, only one complied; the other fired at the officers, who returned in kind, Jiles said.

Neither of the Clark officers were injured.

Both officers were placed on paid leave while the Atlanta Police Department investigates the shooting, Jiles said.