Multiple firearms, including an AK-47, and illegal drugs were seized by Fulton County’s crime suppression unit near the Atlanta Fair last weekend, the sheriff’s office announced on Facebook.
A 16-year-old boy was killed and two others — a 14-year-old and 19-year-old — were injured in a shooting about a block away from the fair earlier this month, prompting police and carnival organizers to step up patrols and security measures.
The slain teenager, Joshua Adetunji, was one of 10 people shot in Atlanta over the March 5 weekend.
Last weekend, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office’s Scorpion unit said it confiscated an AK-47, AR-15, two pistols, MDMA, Alprazolam, Oxycodone, crack cocaine and marijuana. A photo posted to the department’s Facebook account showed several firearms, bags of assorted drugs and a stack of cash.
No other details about the seizures were released, including where the paraphernalia was found.
“We are thankful that the families who came out to enjoy the fair were able to remain safe,” the sheriff’s office said. “Great job, Scorpion Unit!”
After the March 5 shooting near Pryor and Bass streets, Atlanta police requested carnival organizers enhance their security measures by adding patrol cars and expanding their patrol perimeter. The fair also employs 25-30 security personnel composed of off-duty Atlanta police officers and private contractors, and the front entrance checkpoint includes bag checks as well as a weapons screening with a wand.
The violent incident startled carnival-goers and prompted police to post a statement to Facebook begging the community to help keep the city’s children from getting involved in violent crime.
“Atlanta, help us to help you,” the department wrote at the time. “We need parents, extended families, churches, non-profit organizations, county agencies, celebrity folks with platforms and resources, and other individuals who claim to care about this city, crime and juveniles to step up and do their part.”
No arrests have been made in the case.
Cellphone footage from that night showed a number of fights that broke out between large groups of people. Atlanta police Homicide Commander Lt. Ralph Woolfolk said Friday an “escalating dispute” led to the shooting and investigators have made strides in finding out who’s responsible.
“This was a difficult investigation in the fact that there were several persons who were involved in this incident on the night it occurred,” he said. “And we were working to identify all the parties and moving parts.”
Police ask for the public’s continued help in solving the case. Anyone with information is asked to call 404-546-4235. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
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