An 11-year-old girl is recovering after she was struck by a stray bullet in East Point, authorities said.
The incident took place about 9 p.m. Aug. 29 near LongHorn Steakhouse within the Camp Creek Marketplace, according to East Point police.
Mackenzie Stephens said that she, along with her friends and family, were running on Shelby Lane to get away from the gunshot sounds when she realized she was shot in the back, authorities said. Stephens was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
Gabrile Stephens told Channel 2 Action News that her daughter was at a nearby AMC theater with a few relatives when gunfire erupted. When she heard about what happened, she thought she would have to plan a funeral.
“And I get the call, ‘Momma, Mackenzie (has) been shot,’” Stephens said. “At the time what went through my mind — a funeral. I got to plan a funeral.”
Mackenzie is now stable, but her shooter remains on the loose. Officers spoke with her group of friends, but none of them saw the shooter.
East Point police told Channel 2 that investigators believe the shooter was among a large crowd of teenagers who were turned away from the theater since they weren’t accompanied by an adult. The company requires that after 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
A window was also broken after someone threw rocks, according to the news station. A sign near the theater was struck by gunfire.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage in hopes of finding the suspect. Police do not believe Mackenzie was the intended target.
“Whoever did this, turn yourself in to the East Point Police Department,” Stephens said. “Justice will be served for my baby girl.”
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