Andrew Gatlin dies in fatal Gwinnett County shooting

Andrew Gatlin dies in fatal Gwinnett County shooting
Fatal Gwinnett County shooting death of Andrew Gatlin

A gunfight late Thursday night in Gwinnett County ended with the death of 17-year-old Andrew Gatlin and left two other teens injured, according to authorities.

Police reported that the shooting occurred on Pirkle Road just around midnight. Gatlin was struck by gunfire and later succumbed to his wounds. Two other teenage victims were also shot and transported to a children’s hospital in Atlanta. Both are expected to survive.

Daniel Simonca, a longtime resident of the neighborhood, recalled hearing the terrifying sounds of gunfire and a scream that night. He described the shots as rapid, like those from an automatic weapon, and said the incident made him fearful for the safety of his own children.

Investigators believe at least five teenagers had gathered on Pirkle Road for reasons still unknown. A dispute among them escalated into gunfire, resulting in one person collapsing in a nearby driveway and a stray bullet hitting a parked vehicle.

Two juveniles have been taken into custody and are facing charges including felony murder, aggravated assault, and illegal possession of a firearm.

Simonca mentioned that the location has become a frequent meeting spot for young people and questioned how such young individuals managed to obtain weapons. He expressed concern that the bullets could have easily entered nearby homes, putting more lives at risk.

This tragedy coincides with the Gwinnett County Police Department’s upcoming summer safety campaign, which aims to enhance law enforcement presence and reduce violent incidents. The plan includes increased patrols and community engagement efforts like weekend walks with police leadership.

To assist with funeral expenses, Andrew Gatlin’s family has launched a GoFundMe fundraising page.