ALPHARETTA, Ga. — As the thick of summer approaches, Alpharetta Police are reminding people to secure their firearms as officers share new details about gunfire that went off earlier this month at a carnival at North Point Mall.
Investigators are once again emphasizing that the June 7 event was not an active shooter situation -- though police didn't know that at first.
It all unfolded around 7 p.m. with the sound of gunshots leaving people running for cover at the carnival, which was taking place in the mall parking lot. A 15-year-old and an 18-year-old girl were hurt in the shooting.
“Through the investigation, we learned that this was not an act of terror or somebody out there trying to injure or maim innocent people," Alpharetta Police Department Captain Jakai Braithwaite said.
It was all an accident, according to police.
A teenage boy turned himself in to authorities two days after the shooting.
“This was an accident, unfortunately, we’re dealing with a 15-year-old kid who was possessing a firearm unlawfully,” said Braithwaite.
The teen is now facing several charges including second-degree cruelty to children, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, two counts of reckless conduct, possession of a firearm by a minor and tampering with evidence.
“The weapon fell out of his waistband and trying to fumble with it, he accidentally shot one of his friends, two people were injured from the one shot,” said Braithwaite.
Braithwaite said it's a teachable moment for the whole city about firearm safety. He is asking those who choose to carry a weapon to carry it in a holster, not in a waistband.
“Weapons falling out of waistbands and off of clothes that is unsecured is a common thing, it happens. So carrying it on your person -- please be safe, keep it in a hoister," he said. "In your home, secure it in your home. In your car, secure it in your car. They even have locking mechanisms if you want to lock on the trigger."