Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, January 5, 2026
Gunfire erupted in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, resulting in the injury of a young child during an argument among a group of individuals. The incident occurred near a local McDonald’s, prompting a response from law enforcement as they investigate. The child was taken to a hospital for treatment, and authorities are actively seeking information from the public to aid in their investigation.
Atlanta
A profound stillness was broken on Sunday night in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, when gunfire erupted, leading to the injury of a young child. The solemn incident occurred just before 7 p.m. in the 300 block of N. Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, an area frequently bustling with the rhythm of daily life, near a local McDonald’s. Authorities confirmed that an argument between a group of individuals escalated into the discharge of a firearm, inadvertently striking the child. The child, described by police as “older than a baby” but without a specific age, was transported to a hospital by a parent for medical attention. The DeKalb County Police Department has initiated an active investigation into the precise circumstances surrounding this deeply unsettling event, seeking to understand the cascade of decisions that led to such a tender life being touched by violence.
Incident Details Emerge Amidst Ongoing Investigation
The evening hours of Sunday, January 4, 2026, carried with them an unexpected gravity as law enforcement responded to reports of a shooting that reverberated through a community accustomed to its quiet routines. The preliminary findings suggest a dispute among several people precipitated the gunfire. Such moments, when discord turns to danger, often leave an indelible mark, particularly when the innocent are caught in the crossfire. The specific nature of the argument that ignited the violence remains a focal point of the police inquiry.
The victim, a young child whose innocence stands in stark contrast to the severity of the act, received immediate care at a local medical facility. While details regarding the extent of the child’s injuries have not been publicly disclosed, the very act of a child needing hospital treatment for a gunshot wound elicits a collective pause, prompting reflection on the sanctity of safe spaces for the young.
Community Resilience and Call for Information
The presence of uniformed officers and investigative personnel in the 300 block of N. Stone Mountain Lithonia Road on Sunday night served as a visible testament to the gravity of the situation. Law enforcement’s diligent work is now centered on gathering every piece of evidence, interviewing witnesses, and piecing together the narrative of what transpired. The path of an investigation is often intricate, relying on meticulous attention to detail and, at times, the compassionate willingness of the community to come forward with what they know.
The DeKalb County Police Department has extended an appeal to the public, underscoring the vital role civilian observation can play in the pursuit of truth. Anyone possessing information pertinent to this shooting is encouraged to submit anonymous tips. This can be done through the free DeKalb County PD (Tip411) application or by sending a text message with “DKPD” followed by the tip to 847411. Such avenues for sharing information are crucial in fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the peace and security of the community. The quiet hope remains that clarity will emerge, and justice, in its broadest sense, will ultimately prevail for the young life so unexpectedly affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in DeKalb County on Sunday night?
A young child was shot in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, on Sunday night after an argument between a group of people led to gunfire.
When did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred just before 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Where exactly did the incident take place?
The incident took place in the 300 block of N. Stone Mountain Lithonia Road in Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, near a McDonald’s.
Who was the victim of the shooting?
A young child was the victim, described by police as “older than a baby,” but a specific age was not provided.
What was the child’s condition?
The child and a parent went to the hospital for treatment of the child’s injuries.
Is anyone in custody?
The DeKalb County Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances, and no information about arrests or suspects has been released.
How can the public provide information to the police?
Anyone with information can send an anonymous tip through the free DeKalb County PD (Tip411) app or by texting “DKPD” to 847411, followed by the tip.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia (300 block of N. Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, near a McDonald’s) |
| Date | Sunday, January 4, 2026 |
| Time | Just before 7 p.m. |
| Victim | A young child, described as “older than a baby” |
| Cause | Gunfire resulting from an argument between a group of people |
| Injuries | Child sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment |
| Investigation Status | Active investigation by the DeKalb County Police Department |
| Public Assistance | Anonymous tips encouraged via DeKalb County PD (Tip411) app or by texting “DKPD” to 847411 |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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