May 3, 2023 - Suspect arrested after deadly Midtown Atlanta shooting, police say

By Adrienne Vogt, Elise Hammond, Mike Hayes and Tori B. Powell, CNN

Updated 1:55 a.m. ET, May 4, 2023

18 Posts

Sort by

4:31 p.m. ET, May 3, 2023

Atlanta shooting suspect is a former Coast Guard member

From CNN's Haley Britzky

The suspect in an Atlanta shooting that left one person dead and at least four others injured is a former Coast Guardsman, the agency said in a statement Wednesday.

According to the Coast Guard, Deion Patterson “entered the Coast Guard in July 2018 and last served as an Electrician’s Mate Second Class. He was discharged from active duty in January 2023.”

The Coast Guard said it is working closely with the Atlanta Police Department and other authorities in the investigation of the shooting.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the victims and their families,” the statement read.

4:31 p.m. ET, May 3, 2023

Sen. Warnock: ''My own two children were on lockdown'' after Atlanta shooting

From CNN's Nicky Robertson

Georgia Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock speaks at an awards dinner in Washington, DC, on April 26. (Paul Morigi/Getty Images/File)

Georgia Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock addressed the Midtown Atlanta shooting Wednesday in an impassioned speech on the Senate floor, urging Congress to take action on gun control.

“If we refuse to act while our children are dying and in a moment when no one is safe, then shame on us. Shame on us if we allow this to happen and we do absolutely nothing,” Warnock said.

Administrators at his son and daughter’s school took safety precautions as a result of the shooting.

“My own two children were on lockdown this afternoon ... They are there, I’m here, hoping and praying that they are safe – but the truth is none of us is safe,” Warnock said.

While he said he's praying for those affected by the tragedy, Warnock added that “thoughts and prayers are not enough,” calling for immediate action on gun legislation.

He also slammed the gun lobbying industry.

“Those who want to convince us that common-sense gun reform is somehow a call to take everybody's guns, this is not the cost of freedom … it is the cost of greed,” Warnock added.

4:07 p.m. ET, May 3, 2023

Police chief: 5 women were shot in medical center waiting room

The Midtown Atlanta gunman opened fire in a waiting room on the 11th floor of the medical center, according to police.

The shooter shot five people, one of whom died at the scene, according to Atlanta Police Department Chief Darin Schierbaum. All five people who were shot were women, the chief added

Officers were first called to the Northside Hospital Medical in Midtown Atlanta at 12:08 p.m. ET Wednesday, Schierbaum said.

The chief said police are still looking for the suspect, who they have identified as 24-year-old Deion Patterson. They are also still looking for the gun that was used in the shooting, Schierbaum said.

Officials from various law enforcement agencies are following up on "credible leads" both in Cobb County and in the city of Atlanta, he said.

CNN’s Sara Smart contributed reporting to this post.

4:22 p.m. ET, May 3, 2023

Suspect carjacked a vehicle and was able to flee the scene of the shooting, police chief says

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum speaks at a press conference in Atlanta on Wednesday. (Alyssa Pointer/Reuters)

Atlanta Police Department Chief Darin Schierbaum said Wednesday afternoon that police believe the shooting suspect carjacked a vehicle a "short distance" from the scene.

Schierbaum said the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Deion Patterson, was able to flee the scene as police "were descending on this area."

"We believe he has left the area," Schierbaum said, adding that the suspect "may not still be in that vehicle."

3:29 p.m. ET, May 3, 2023

There's a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the Midtown Atlanta shooting suspect's arrest

From CNN's Sara Smart

Law enforcement officers arrive near the scene of an active shooter in Midtown Atlanta on Wednesday. (Alex Slitz/AP)

Crime Stoppers increased its reward to $10,000 for information leading to Deion Patterson’s arrest and indictment, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

The 24-year-old suspect remains at large after a shooting at Northside Hospital Medical in Midtown Atlanta killed at least once person, authorities said.

“Everyone is asked to remain aware of the suspect’s photos and information and to call 911 if they have any information regarding his whereabouts,” a statement from police read Wednesday.

3:18 p.m. ET, May 3, 2023

Police lift shelter-in-place advisory as search for suspect continues

From CNN’s Sara Smart

The shooting suspect is not believed to be around the Atlanta's midtown area anymore, police said. He is accused of shooting several people at a medical center Wednesday afternoon, killing at least one person, according to police.

Officials have lifted the shelter-in-place advisory, but residents are advised to remain out of the area as the investigation remains active.

“At this time, we have no information indicating the suspect is still in the area of the shooting,” police said in a statement.

Anyone with information should call 911.

3:34 p.m. ET, May 3, 2023

Atlanta school district is clear to dismiss students near Midtown shooting, police say

From CNN’s Rebekah Riess

Students previously on hold for dismissal at Atlanta Public Schools have been cleared for release by the Atlanta Police Department, according to an update from the school district.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we have dispatched officers at every school for today's dismissal. Because of the late release, please expect transportation delays today,” the update said. “For students who may not be returned home (blocked street, etc.), they will be returned to school and supervised until they are picked up.”

Midtown, Washington Clusters, Stanton, King, Wesley International and Dunbar were put on hold for dismissal earlier Wednesday, according to Atlanta Public Schools.

2:58 p.m. ET, May 3, 2023

Police identify suspect in Northside Hospital Medical Midtown shooting

From CNN’s Rebekah Riess

Shooting suspect Deion Patterson. (Atlanta Police Department)

Atlanta police have identified the man accused of killing at least one person and injuring several others Wednesday as 24-year-old Deion Patterson.

“Call 911— DO NOT approach him,” the tweet from APD said.

Police said the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.

Read the tweet:

2:46 p.m. ET, May 3, 2023

White House is monitoring search for suspect in Atlanta medical center shooting

From CNN's DJ Judd

The Biden administration is monitoring the search for a man accused of opening fire at Northside Hospital Medical in Midtown Atlanta.

At least one person was killed in the shooting Wednesday afternoon, according to officials.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are aware of the incident, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.

She said the situation is “an ongoing, very fluid situation” as police work to find the suspect. Jean-Pierre said that the Biden administration is monitoring reports from Atlanta and urging the public to follow guidance from local officials.

The president is "frustrated about what we're seeing in our communities and in our schools and our churches" when it comes to gun violence, she said.

“This is a president that has taken historic actions the first two years, executive actions signed... a piece of legislation that was bipartisan, and it was the first legislation that we had seen in 30 years to deal with this issue, but we know that more needs to be done," Jean-Pierre added.