19-year-old charged after gunfire incident at Piedmont Park, Atlanta police say

A 19-year-old is facing firearm and drug-related charges after a Wednesday shooting at Piedmont Park prompted a “robust” response from Atlanta police.

Police said they approached the man, later identified as Marquise Brown, while searching for “potential suspects related to a shooting that occurred hours prior” at the expansive Midtown park, according to an arrest warrant.

After being detained, Brown told officers he had narcotics he intended to distribute, and investigators found 3-4 grams of “suspected methamphetamine” on him, the warrant states.

Investigators also recovered a 9 mm firearm, which officers saw in Brown’s waistband, with a serial number that had been destroyed, according to warrants.

Brown has been charged with possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, firearm possession by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, obstruction of law enforcement and criminal use of an article with an altered ID.

Atlanta police Chief Darin Schierbaum previously said they detained two men, ages 21 and 29, and were looking for a third after the Wednesday afternoon report of gunshots. On Thursday, police said those two were released but “remain persons of interest” in the investigation.

Brown is the only person alleged to have been involved in the incident whom police have publicly identified so far.

Police responded to the park “within two minutes” of the reports that came in just before 3:30 p.m. The incident happened near the park’s Active Oval, and police “treated this as an active shooter situation,” based on the initial information, Schierbaum said.

“You saw a robust response by this department for an active shooter in our city,” he added.

There have been no reports of injuries or property damage, according to police.

Hours after the shooting, the chief said investigators believe the involved men were in a dispute that escalated to gunfire. Police found two weapons at the scene, a rifle and a pistol, and were searching the park for any other weapons that may have been discarded, he said.

Schierbaum said there was no ongoing threat to the public and encouraged people to “get your seats” for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s free Concert in the Park, which was scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra spokesperson Ashley Mirakian confirmed the performance would go on.