Teen in Critical Condition After Gunfire Exchange Near Six Flags Over Georgia

A 15-year-old boy is currently in critical condition after an exchange of gunfire with suspects near Six Flags Over Georgia, as reported by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) on Sunday. The incident took place on the amusement park’s opening day for the season, amidst chaos caused by a large unruly crowd inside the park.

Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) stated that the shooting occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, with officers responding to assist park security in managing a crowd of around 500 to 600 individuals who were engaging in running and fighting within the park premises. Following the crowd onto Six Flags Parkway near South Service Road, officers were met with gunfire from unknown suspects.

During the exchange, one suspect was hit when officers returned fire. The injured individual, confirmed to be a 15-year-old boy by the GBI, was swiftly transported to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. The GBI has taken over the investigation into the shooting incident.

According to the GBI’s findings, the CCPD officers had initially intervened to address crowd control issues near the park entrance after multiple altercations broke out among departing guests. As the situation escalated, multiple individuals began firing shots, even hitting an unoccupied CCPD patrol car in the process.

As the officers identified the source of the gunshots, they pursued individuals who had fled into nearby woods. In the course of the events, a CCPD officer discharged their weapon, resulting in the injury of the 15-year-old. A handgun was recovered by the police in close proximity to the minor.

The teen remains in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital, with no reported injuries to any officers involved. Following the completion of the GBI’s inquiry, the case file will be handed to the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office for further review.

A worker at Six Flags Over Georgia, who requested anonymity, stated witnessing the commotion during the incident, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures and parental supervision for young visitors at the park to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

Six Flags Over Georgia, in a statement to Atlanta News First, confirmed that the gunshots were fired off park property, specifically on South Service Road adjacent to the park. The park reiterated its commitment to stringent security protocols and maintaining a safe environment for all guests.