Atlanta police asked for the public’s help Wednesday in locating a man wanted on suspicion of committing a brutal assault and a shooting this summer.
Edgar Rivera, 27, is wanted on charges of beating Michael Jeter, the owner of a Gordon’s Body Shop in Westview, on Aug. 16, which left the victim in critical condition in the hospital, said Maj. Adam Lee, head of major crimes. Rivera is also wanted on charges of shooting Blair Fortson on July 14 in Castleberry Hill, Lee said.
“We need to get Mr. Rivera off the street,” Lee said. “He has a propensity for gratuitous violence and … he apparently has a short fuse.”
Jeter is still in grave condition, police said. Rivera worked at one time for Jeter, Lee said.
“Mr. Jeter is known for giving people second chances,” Lee said.
Rivera served nine months of a five-year prison sentence for aggravated assault, theft, forgery and possession of cocaine before being released in May 2012, according to Georgia prison records.
Fortson, 24, said that Rivera started a fight with him outside the Blu Cantina over what seemed like a minor squabble. Fortson said the shooting happened after Rivera bumped roughly into him while exiting the restaurant and then returned and punched him after they exchanged words.
Fortson said he tossed Rivera into a car and then saw a gun in Rivera’s hand and fled. Rivera tripped and fell and then fired the pistol, the bullet entering the heal of Fortson’s left foot and exiting by his toes, Fortson said.
“I still have a little pain, but I am able to walk and go to work,” said Fortson, who lost the feeling in one toe from the wound. “I think it is very important to get anybody as dangerous as him off the street as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information can call Detective M. Cooper of the fugitive squad at 404-546-4220 or submit information anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.crimestoppersatlanta.org or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). Tipsters do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2,000 for the arrest and indictment of the suspect.
About the Author
