ATLANTA — Three people are recovering after a gunman opened fire inside a popular downtown food court at the Peachtree Center Mall on Tuesday. Now, 11Alive has learned new information regarding the name of the suspect and the charges he's facing.
Jail records name Jeremy Malone as the suspect in the shooting. He is now being charged with:
- Cruelty to children in the 3rd degree
- Possession of firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies
- Possession of firearm by convicted felon
- Reckless conduct
- Aggravated assault
According to APD, Malone is a convicted felon who has served prison time for an armed robbery. He has 11 previous arrest cycles.
"This is an individual who should never have been possessing a gun," APD Chief Darin Schierbaum said. "An individual who should have never placed this community in harm but that an officer in this department was able to stop that threat."
Malone was expected in court on Wednesday but waived his first appearance. Documents show bond has been denied.
Where the Downtown Atlanta shooting happened
The shooting occurred at The Hub at Peachtree Center, located at 225 Peachtree St NE.
This is a popular lunch and coffee destination for many who work, live and visit Downtown Atlanta. It's surrounded by numerous hotels and businesses and is typically filled with people around lunchtime every day of the week.
How did The Hub at Peachtree Center shooting happen
At about 2:17 p.m., officers became aware of shots fired coming from The Hub at Peachtree Center, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Police said that a 34-year-old man armed with a handgun entered the food court. After a brief altercation with another person, he shot that person and two others. An off-duty APD officer then sprang into action and shot the suspect before law enforcement was able to take him into custody.
What we know about the victims
Police said those shot beside the suspect were a 47-year-old man from Grayson, a 69-year-old woman from East Point and a 70-year-old woman from Atlanta.
APD said that everyone shot was "alert, conscious and breathing."
11Alive is working to learn more about them.