Man shot outside apartment complex near Mercedes-Benz Stadium

A man was seriously injured after being shot Thursday afternoon during a fight at an apartment complex next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, police said.

Officers were called to the apartment in the 400 block of Markham Street about 3:15 p.m. and discovered the unconscious man outside with a gunshot wound, Atlanta police spokeswoman Officer C.J. Johnson said. He was taken to a hospital, where he remains in serious condition.

“Preliminary investigation indicates the male was shot during a dispute that occurred inside the location,” Johnson said in a written statement.

The shooter, who has not been identified, left the scene before officers arrived.

The investigation is ongoing.

Thursday’s shooting comes as Atlanta police prepare for a busy weekend. The NBA All-Star game will be held Sunday at nearby State Farm Arena, and watch parties at clubs and restaurants are expected to draw large crowds across the city.

Atlanta officers will work 12-hour shifts and plan to be visible on the streets. Deputy Chief Michael O’Connor said officers will be on the lookout for drunk drivers, street racers and those hosting unsanctioned events.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy for criminal activity and will use our resources to make all of the city’s residents remain safe,” he said in a video posted Tuesday.

Last weekend, a string of shootings across Atlanta left 12 people injured and one man dead. The “alarming” surge in violence has city officials urging residents and visitors to make smart decisions and walk away from conflicts if possible.

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