A youth football practice almost became a tragedy at a southwest Atlanta park when a shootout took place nearby, Channel 2 Action News reported.
The shooting happened Monday night at Ben Hill Park, and a disagreement due to a gambling game at a gazebo near the football field promoted the shooting, according to an Atlanta police incident report obtained by AJC.com.
witnesses said the shooting happened after a fight during a dice game at a gazebo near the football field.
“They said they found 50 shell casings, and it was just a war zone,” Cortez Stephens, a father, told the news station.
Stephens said parents quickly grabbed the children and ran for cover during the shooting, but shots continued for minutes.
“It kept getting closer and closer,” Stephens said. “We've got kids down here.”
Channel 2 reported that no one was injured during the shootout.
Atlanta police told AJC.com it has dedicated a great deal of resources to the Fairburn Road Corridor, and they’ve authorized overtime to have more of a presence in the park.
Police said they have obtained surveillance video from the night of the shooting, and they are investigating the incident.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact CrimeStroppers at 404-577-8477.
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