Atlanta Homeowner Charged After Shooting Two Teenagers He Believed Were Stealing Packages from His Porch
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — A southwest Atlanta homeowner has been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony after allegedly shooting two teenagers he believed were stealing packages from his front porch. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon at the Villages of Cascade townhome complex on Celeste Lane SW, police said.
Incident Leaves Two Teens Injured
According to the Atlanta Police Department, officers responded to reports of shots fired at the complex and found two juvenile males suffering from gunshot wounds. A 15-year-old victim was shot in the foot, while a 16-year-old was struck in the arm and transported to a hospital in critical condition before undergoing surgery. Authorities confirmed both teens are expected to survive.
Police identified the shooter as Rakim Bradford, a resident of the complex, who admitted to firing at the teens. Investigators say the juveniles had allegedly followed a delivery truck into the neighborhood and were attempting to take packages when Bradford confronted them.
Police: Homeowner Opened Fire During Confrontation
Detectives reported that Bradford claimed he saw the teens removing parcels from his porch and reacted by retrieving a firearm. During the confrontation, Bradford allegedly fired multiple shots, striking both teens.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum called the case a serious matter, emphasizing that “any time a child is injured in our city, we take it seriously.” Schierbaum confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that the department is reviewing the homeowner’s actions under Georgia’s self-defense laws.
Community Reactions and Legal Debate
The shooting has sparked intense discussion throughout Atlanta about the limits of using deadly force in defense of property, particularly as package thefts rise during the holiday season. Neighbors told local outlets that Bradford may have acted “too quickly,” describing him as someone frustrated by repeated porch thefts.
“He went too far. It wasn’t that serious,” one resident told reporters. Others, however, expressed sympathy for homeowners who feel helpless amid rising reports of “porch piracy.”
Under Georgia law, deadly force is generally not justified solely to protect property, unless the individual reasonably believes it’s necessary to prevent a violent felony or serious bodily harm. Legal experts say prosecutors will likely focus on whether Bradford’s use of force was proportionate to the situation.
Ongoing Investigation
Atlanta Police confirmed that Bradford faces formal charges of aggravated assault and firearm possession during a felony. Both teens remain under medical care but are expected to recover fully. Authorities have not indicated whether the teenagers will face theft-related charges.
The case has reignited broader conversations about community safety, vigilantism, and how far residents can go to protect their homes amid the surge of holiday package deliveries.
For continued updates on this developing case, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
