Man sought in shooting of 7-year old turns himself in to police
A 28-year-old man accused of shooting a 7-year-old boy Sunday night has turned himself in, Atlanta Police say.
According to the police, witnesses told investigators that Elrico Smith was selling guns to someone in a silver vehicle.
Smith turned himself in to police Monday afternoon after media coverage with his photo was circulated throughout the metro area. He has been charged with aggravated assault, police said.
The boy, whose name was not released, was riding his bike on Monteel Drive near Mango Circle when he was shot around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, according to an Atlanta police incident report released late Monday morning.
“For whatever reason, that sale went south,” police spokeswoman Officer Kim Jones said.
A person in the vehicle fired shots at Smith, police said.
Smith allegedly fired several shots at the car, one of which struck the child in the stomach, police said.
“Witnesses saw the gentleman shooting and know who he is,” Jones said. “He frequents the northwest Atlanta area.”
Police said neighbors were anxious to see Smith brought to justice and eschewed the so-called “no-snitch” rule that casts a social shadow on people who cooperate with police.
“I think lots of people who know folks like this realize that they need to be brought in,” Jones said.
The victim was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston in stable condition.
