ATLANTA — The second suspected shooter in the exchange of gunfire at a block party near the Atlanta University Center library has been arrested, Atlanta Police announced on Monday.
Police said 25-year-old Ahmad Coleman was taken into custody in Jackson, Mississippi last Thursday with the help of U.S. Marshals.
Police allege Coleman exchanged gunfire with 21-year-old Isaiah Williams at the Aug. 21 party, which was held at an area near the Robert W. Woodruff Library. He has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and other charges.
Williams was arrested in September. He has been indicted by a grand jury and will go to trial at an undetermined date.
The Atlanta University Center shooting left four women injured, all students at either Spelman College or Clark Atlanta University.
In a statement, Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields thanked the investigators who for "doggedly pursuing" the case that resulted in Coleman's arrest.
“This is clearly a dangerous and reckless individual who has no regard for life,” Shields said. “I’m hopeful that the Courts will give pause prior to releasing this violent felon back into the community again.”
Coleman is awaiting extradition back to Atlanta.
According to police, Coleman was out on a signature bond from another Fulton County shooting incident, allegedly using an assault rifle to shoot up an apartment complex on Fulton Street in March.
In an impassioned statement from Atlanta Police Capt. Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel announcing the arrest, police said they were surprised to learn that Coleman had been released on bond after the "violent" situation at the apartment complex.
"That is a disappointing to know that this individual was out on a signature bond for two consecutive shootings that took place," Gwinn-Villaroel said. "Again Chief Shields is so dedicated to making sure the courts are doing the right thing and that we are keeping these violent individuals in custody."
She added that it was "unfortunate" that he was allowed to go free and called into question the court system, which she said left the door open for the campus shooting to happen.
"Let me stress this, this shooting should never have taken place," Gwinn-Villaroel said.
"We need to stand up, and we need to do better with this," she added. "It was fortunate that the loss of life did not take place with these four students. We're just fortunate in that. We're grateful in that. But it very well could have happened."
Gwinn-Villaroel went on to reassure parents and citizens that police are working hard to keep students, and residents safe from danger, adding that as a fellow Atlantan, it's a personal fight.
"If you choose to be reckless if you choose to commit violence, please know that you will be apprehended," Gwinn-Villaroel warned. "The Atlanta Police Department is dedicated to making sure we rid our streets of violent criminals, and we are going to do our part."