Deion Patterson, the 24-year-old Midtown shooting suspect’s last known location was in Clayton County. Patterson opened fire in a waiting room on the 11th floor of the medical center, police said. He shot five women and killed one.
There is an active shooting situation in Atlanta. The secret service and the FBI are also present.
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Police believe the shooting suspect carjacked a vehicle a short distance from the scene, said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum.
The suspect was able to flee the scene as police were descending on this area.
Schierbaum said, “We believe he has left the area,” adding that the suspect “may not still be in that vehicle.”
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Atlanta police released a photo of Deion Patterson. He is wearing a grey hoodie, black pants, grey and white sneakers, and a white medical mask. He is also carrying a tan tactical bag. Police also released a mugshot of Patterson from his previous arrest.
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Patterson is a former member of the Coast Guard who entered the service in July 2018. He was discharged from active duty in January while serving as an Electrician’s mate second class.
His mother, Minyone Patterson, said the VA had given him medicine that affected his judgment. “The damn VA gave him some messed up medication. And all he wanted was an Ativan,” Minyone said, reported The Daily Beast.
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Reportedly, Patterson was with his mother at Northside Hospital for an appointment when he started firing. During the appointment, he became agitated, took out a handgun, and began shooting.
According to Fox News, Crime Stoppers announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the location or arrest of Patterson. One victim was declared dead on the spot and others were moved to the nearby Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. Two patients were in critical condition and three were in critical condition.
