ATLANTA — A manhunt is now underway after police said a murder suspect escaped from inside a townhome during a SWAT standoff, Saturday afternoon.
The Atlanta Police Department said officers responded to a report of a shooting around 12:30 p.m. at 1240 Oakland Dr., the address for the Oakland Park Townhomes near the Oakland City neighborhood on Atlanta's west side. When officers arrived, they found 28-year-old man who had been shot in the parking lot. The victim, who is not being identified at this time, was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
Lt. Andrew Smith, with the department's homicide command unit, said witnesses told officers on scene the suspect who shot the man went back inside the residence, which led police to call in SWAT units.
After about four hours, witnesses and 11Alive's crew on the scene reported a bang, which Smith said was the sound of SWAT entering the home. However, once inside, Smith said the suspect was gone.
The early investigation appears to have been as a result of a fight between the 28-year-old man and the suspect -- a roommate -- over money, Smith said. Homicide investigators are still processing the scene, and, at this time, Smith said it appears about five shots were fired.
The massive scene led police to block the immediate area while officers and SWAT worked, leading to a disruption for some residents; Smith said that it was all in effort to keep everyone safe.
"We have to take every precaution to make sure that nobody else gets injured," Smit explained. "You have a gunman that inside. You have to take certain measures to ensure safety and it's resolved without anyone else getting hurt."
Photos: SWAT scene after homicide near Oakland City neighborhood
Now, Smith said authorities are turning to the search for the suspect, who is not being identified at this time. He said warrants have been secured. Anyone with information on the suspect and his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 404-877-TIPS.
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