Fairburn Mays, Atlanta, October 25, 2025
News Summary
In a recent incident in Fairburn Mays, Atlanta, a carjacking victim, Yoshay Carter, was arrested after allegedly shooting a teenage boy attempting to break into his vehicle. The victim was found with a gunshot wound to his foot and was hospitalized, expected to survive. Legal discussions are underway regarding self-defense laws in Georgia, highlighting ongoing debates surrounding the use of force in protecting property.
Atlanta – In a surprising turn of events, a carjacking victim from Atlanta, identified as Yoshay Carter, 51, has been arrested after allegedly shooting a teenage boy who was attempting to break into his vehicle. The shooting incident took place in Fairburn Mays, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Atlanta, just before 3 a.m. on a recent day.
According to reports from the Atlanta Police Department, officers arrived at the scene to find a boy under the age of 18 suffering from a gunshot wound to his foot. The young boy later admitted that he had been shot while making an attempt to break into Carter’s car. He was promptly transported to a children’s hospital and is expected to survive his injuries.
The confrontation that led to the shooting occurred when Carter noticed the boy attempting to break into his vehicle. As a result of the altercation, Carter has been charged with aggravated assault and is currently booked into the Fulton County Jail awaiting further legal proceedings.
Under Georgia law, there are specific statutes that deal with the use of force in defending property, stating there is “no duty to retreat.” However, police officials have not confirmed whether these self-defense laws would be applicable to Carter’s situation. It is important to note that the law permits a person to use force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to halt a criminal act against their property. Yet, the use of deadly force is generally not justified in protection of property alone unless there is a belief that it’s essential to prevent a “forcible felony.”
This shooting incident is not occurring in isolation, as it highlights ongoing debates surrounding self-defense laws within the state of Georgia. Recent discussions have also arisen regarding potential changes to self-defense legislation in places like California, indicating a broader national conversation on the subject.
The shooting incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in self-defense scenarios, particularly when property is at stake. As legal proceedings for Carter unfold, the community remains watchful of how this case may influence perceptions and interpretations of self-defense laws in Georgia and potentially across the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in the carjacking incident? An Atlanta carjacking victim, Yoshay Carter, 51, was arrested after allegedly shooting a boy who was attempting to break into his car.
- Where did the shooting incident occur? The shooting incident occurred in Fairburn Mays, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Atlanta.
- What were the police’s findings upon arrival at the scene? Officers found a boy under the age of 18 with a gunshot wound to his foot.
- What happened to the boy who was shot? The boy admitted to police that he was shot while trying to break into a car. He was transported to a children’s hospital and is expected to survive.
- What charges is Yoshay Carter facing? Carter has been charged with aggravated assault and was booked into the Fulton County Jail.
- What does Georgia law say about the use of force in defense of property? Under Georgia law, there are statutes regarding the use of force in the defense of property, including “no duty to retreat.”
- Will self-defense laws apply in Carter’s case? The Atlanta Police Department did not confirm whether self-defense laws would apply to Carter’s case.
- What does the law say about using deadly force to protect property? The use of deadly force is not justified to protect property unless there’s a belief that it’s necessary to prevent a “forcible felony.”
- What larger issue does this incident highlight? The shooting highlights ongoing debates over self-defense laws in Georgia.
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Additional Resources
- Fox News: Carjacking Victim Arrested
- Wikipedia: Law of Self-Defense
- AJC: Man Shot During Carjacking
- Google Search: Self-Defense Laws Georgia
- WSBTV: Armed Men Carjack Two Women
- Google Scholar: Georgia Law Self-Defense
- AJC: Felon Arrested After Homicide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Self-Defense
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
