Atlanta, GA, August 15, 2025

News Summary

In a distressing road rage incident in Atlanta, two young girls were injured after their mother was involved in a minor collision. The suspect allegedly opened fire, hitting both girls. Emergency responders rushed them to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where they are now in stable condition. The suspect, 21-year-old Bennie McCoy, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses as the community calls for increased road safety in response to this alarming event.

Atlanta: Two Young Girls Injured in Road Rage Shooting After Minor Collision

On Friday morning, a road rage incident in Atlanta resulted in two young girls being shot after their mother was involved in a minor collision. The shooting took place around 9 a.m. on Highway 166, when the driver of the other vehicle allegedly opened fire after the incident.

The suspect in the shooting has been identified as 21-year-old Bennie McCoy. Following the event, McCoy was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including four counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and hit-and-run. He is set to be booked into the Fulton County Jail as the investigation progresses.

According to police reports, the shooting occurred after the girls’ mother attempted to flag down McCoy following the minor accident. During this encounter, McCoy allegedly fired a shot, which grazed both the 8-year-old and the 13-year-old girls. Emergency responders transported the injured girls to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where they are currently in stable condition and expected to recover.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting concerns about road safety. Witnesses to the event expressed their distress over the escalation from a simple traffic collision to gunfire. Observers noted a bullet hole in the back of the family’s Toyota 4Runner parked at a nearby gas station where police responded.

Both girls were reported to be alert and breathing when taken to the hospital, and their identities have not yet been disclosed by authorities. Fortunately, they remain the only injured parties in this alarming incident.

The Atlanta Police Department is actively investigating the shooting in conjunction with the East Point Police. The shocking nature of this event has called for residents to exercise caution and calmness during tense road situations.

No descriptions of the suspect were available at the time of the first report, and as the investigation continues, the Atlanta Police Department is appealing to the public for information regarding the incident.

Context of the Incident

This violent episode highlights growing concerns over road rage incidents across the nation, prompting law enforcement and communities to seek ways to address aggressive driving and enhance public safety. As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident, the community remains on alert, aware that instances of road rage can escalate unexpectedly.

Key Events Timeline

• 9:00 a.m. – Minor collision occurs between the victim’s vehicle and the suspect’s vehicle on Highway 166.
• After collision – The girls’ mother attempts to flag down the other driver.
• Post-collision – Bennie McCoy allegedly fires shots at the vehicle.
• Emergency response – The two injured girls are transported to a medical facility.
• Following arrest – Bennie McCoy is charged and taken into custody.

Impact on the Community

The incident has raised significant concern among residents who are becoming increasingly aware of the dangers posed by aggressive driving behaviors. Local leaders and community members are engaging in discussions about enhancing road safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Wikipedia: Road Rage
• 11 Alive
• Google Search: Road Rage Incidents
• Patch.com
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
• WSB Radio
• Google News: Road Rage Shooting

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.