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Written by: A. Smith
Published December 12, 2025 @ 10:10 AM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Two juveniles were shot Thursday afternoon while allegedly attempting to steal packages from outside a southwest Atlanta townhome, police said.
The shooting occurred around 3:30 p.m. in a townhouse community on Celeste Lane, just outside Interstate 285 near Benjamin E. Mays Drive, according to Atlanta police.
A 15-year-old was shot in the foot and was reported to be in stable condition. A second juvenile, whose identity was not released, was shot in the arm and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Police later said that juvenile underwent surgery and is expected to survive.
“Our investigation has determined that we believe a property crime was occurring — that some packages were being taken off of a front porch,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum told reporters at the scene.
Schierbaum said the homeowner is accused of firing a weapon in an attempt to stop the theft. The homeowner remained at Atlanta police headquarters Thursday night for questioning as investigators worked to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
Authorities said the shooting happened outside the residence and confirmed that a home invasion did not occur.
Schierbaum emphasized that there was no ongoing threat to the surrounding neighborhood, even as officers continued to process the scene several hours after the shooting.
“Any time a child is injured in our city, we really take that seriously,” he said.
The investigation is ongoing.