All northbound lanes of I-85 were shut down near North Druid Hills Road while an investigation was underway. Credit: JOHN SPINK / [email protected]
By Asia Simone Burns and John Spink
A man was shot to death inside a car on I-85 in DeKalb County on Thursday morning, prompting an investigation that closed the interstate for hours.
Gunfire from the incident also damaged a nearby Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta building, officials said.
The victim, who was in his late 40s, was found alone inside his car in the northbound lanes of I-85 between North Druid Hills and Clairmont roads, according to DeKalb police.
A Georgia Department of Transportation operator discovered the victim’s vehicle about 4:45 a.m., but initially thought he was a stranded motorist, DeKalb police spokesman Sgt. B. Danner said.
“He pulls out on him, sees something that’s not right, he calls for what he thinks is a medical emergency,” Danner told reporters at the scene.
Investigators said a Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta building was damaged by the gunfire. Credit: JOHN SPINK / [email protected]
When emergency medical officials arrived, they discovered that the man had a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Danner said. The man’s identity was not released.
Investigators blocked the northbound lanes for an investigation. Police found numerous shell casings and determined several shots had been fired, Danner said.
At least one bullet hit a glass window on a CHOA support center on North Druid Hills Road, officials said. The window was to a conference room that police determined was not occupied at the time of the shooting.
“The DeKalb County Police Department is leading the investigation that occurred on I-85 North this morning,” a CHOA spokeswoman said in a statement. “All questions related to the incident and the investigation should be directed to DeKalb County Police.”
As investigators worked, the northbound lanes of I-85 near North Druid Hills Road were shut down Thursday morning. Credit: JOHN SPINK / [email protected]
Investigators opened the far left lane and HOV lane shortly before 9:30 a.m. and then opened the remaining lanes about 10 a.m.
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