16-Year-Old Shot at Circle K in Atlanta Gas Station
Police are currently investigating a Monday night shooting that occurred in the parking lot of a northwest Atlanta gas station. Law enforcement was flagged down by witnesses and found a 16-year old suffering from a gunshot wound. He was rushed to the hospital and his reported condition was alert and breathing. His identity and current condition remain unknown.
Investigators are actively trying to determine what events led to the shooting. Police are asking anyone with more information about the shooting to come forward.
Understanding How Georgia Negligent Security Law Applies
Property owners in Georgia have a legal duty to take reasonable precautions to protect customers, employees, and guests from foreseeable criminal acts. When they neglect this responsibility, they may be held liable under the state’s negligent security laws.
Negligent security occurs when property owners fail to implement basic safety measures, such as maintaining functional lighting, having adequate surveillance systems, or providing security personnel when necessary. If a lack of security contributes to a violent crime, the property owner can be found legally responsible for the harm suffered by victims.
Victims of these crimes resulting from inadequate security have a right to pursue legal action against property owners. By taking proper security precautions, property owners can significantly reduce the risk of crime, while also fulfilling their duty to maintain a safe environment. Failing to do so not only endangers lives, but also exposes them to serious legal consequences.
Research Reveals Perpetual Issues with Security and Staff
This incident is not the first time this gas station has experienced gun violence on its property. In August of 2021, a 60-year old man was found collapsed on the street with multiple gunshot wounds at the Circle K located on Hollywood Road.
Online Reviews claim the employed staff is rude and unhelpful, and the area/condition of the gas station isn’t located in the safest area. One reviewer states the gas station is “located in the hood. The security officers need to be fired.” Another reviewer writes about the Circle K, where the 76 Station is located, saying they “[r]eally wish I could give a ZERO. Another gas station placed in a minority area that hire employees with poor customer service.”
How Can We Demand Justice?
In Georgia, business and property owners are required by law to take certain steps to protect their properties from criminal activity. While law enforcement may investigate the incident, their role does not extend to holding negligent property owners accountable for failing to provide a safe environment.
For this reason, victims must take legal action to seek the justice they deserve. While no lawsuit can undo the trauma of a violent attack, pursuing a civil claim can provide much-needed financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, and other unexpected costs that arise in the aftermath of such a tragic event.
Beyond financial compensation, legal action serves a larger purpose–it pushes property owners to take security seriously. When they are forced to answer for their negligence, they are more likely to implement necessary safety measures, such as increasing security patrols, installing better lighting, or ensuring surveillance of the interior/exterior spaces. By standing up for their rights, victims not only fight for their own justice, but also help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in their communities.
Together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.