Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia, January 5, 2026
In a tragic incident in Stone Mountain, a young child was injured by gunfire during an argument among a group of individuals. The child, described as older than a baby, was found at the scene and taken to the hospital by DeKalb County Police. Investigators believe the child was an unintended victim in the escalating conflict. Community members are urged to provide any information that may assist in the investigation as the police work diligently to understand the incident and restore safety in the area.
Stone Mountain: Young Child Injured in Sunday Shooting as DeKalb County Police Investigate
Stone Mountain, Georgia – A young child sustained a gunshot wound in DeKalb County on Sunday evening, January 4, 2026, caught in the midst of gunfire that erupted following an argument among a group of individuals. DeKalb County Police are actively investigating the incident, which occurred just before 7 p.m. in the 300 block of North Stone Mountain Lithonia Road.
The incident unfolded in the vicinity of a McDonald’s, a location often marked by the ordinary rhythms of daily life, now touched by an unforeseen moment of violence. Responding officers found the child, whose specific age has not been publicly disclosed beyond being described as “older than a baby,” suffering from the gunshot injury. The child was transported to a hospital alongside a parent for urgent medical attention. Information regarding the child’s current condition was not immediately released by authorities.
Preliminary findings from the police investigation suggest that the child was an unintended victim, struck when an argument escalated into gunfire. The circumstances that led to the initial dispute among the group remain under examination. Such moments often leave a community to ponder the suddenness with which peace can be disrupted and innocence compromised, underscoring the delicate fabric of communal safety.
Authorities have urged anyone possessing information pertinent to the investigation to come forward. The DeKalb County Police Department facilitates anonymous tips through its free Tip411 app or via text message by sending “DKPD” to 847411, followed by the relevant information. The collective memory of a community can often provide the crucial fragments needed to assemble a clearer picture of events, aiding in the pursuit of justice.
This incident marks another somber note in recent days for DeKalb County. Just the day prior, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, police were called to another scene of violence, investigating a deadly shooting near Candler Road. In that separate incident, officers discovered one individual fatally shot on a nearby street, prompting a homicide investigation and a search for a suspect. These events, occurring in close succession, serve as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by communities striving for tranquility and order.
The work of law enforcement continues with diligence, as investigators endeavor to understand the pathways that lead to such outcomes and to hold those responsible accountable. The repercussions of violence, particularly when it touches the lives of the most vulnerable, extend beyond the immediate scene, casting a shadow over the hopes for a secure and nurturing environment for all.
As the investigations proceed, the hope remains that clarity will emerge from the current uncertainties, and that the efforts of police will lead to resolutions that can help to mend the fractured sense of security that such events invariably leave in their wake. The presence of a compassionate regard for those affected, woven into the fabric of factual reporting, allows for a deeper understanding of the human dimension of these critical incidents.
Key Details of the Stone Mountain Shooting
- Location: 300 block of North Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia.
- Date and Time: Sunday evening, January 4, 2026, just before 7 p.m..
- Victim: A young child, described as “older than a baby,” whose specific age was not released.
- Circumstance: Shot during gunfire that followed an argument among a group of people.
- Investigation Status: Active and ongoing by DeKalb County Police.
- Targeting: The child is not believed to have been the intended target.
- Public Assistance: Anonymous tips can be submitted via the DeKalb County PD (Tip411) app or by texting “DKPD” to 847411.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened in DeKalb County on Sunday, January 4, 2026?
- A young child sustained a gunshot wound in DeKalb County on Sunday evening, January 4, 2026, caught in the midst of gunfire that erupted following an argument among a group of individuals.
- Where did the shooting of the child occur?
- The incident occurred just before 7 p.m. in the 300 block of North Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County, Georgia, in the vicinity of a McDonald’s.
- What is the condition of the child who was shot?
- The child, described as “older than a baby,” was transported to a hospital alongside a parent for urgent medical attention. Information regarding the child’s current condition was not immediately released by authorities.
- Are police investigating this incident?
- Yes, DeKalb County Police are actively investigating the incident.
- Was the child the intended target of the shooting?
- Preliminary findings from the police investigation suggest that the child was an unintended victim, struck when an argument escalated into gunfire.
- How can the public provide information to the police?
- Authorities have urged anyone possessing information pertinent to the investigation to come forward. The DeKalb County Police Department facilitates anonymous tips through its free Tip411 app or via text message by sending “DKPD” to 847411, followed by the relevant information.
- Were there any other significant crime incidents in DeKalb County recently?
- Yes, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, police were called to another scene of violence, investigating a deadly shooting near Candler Road, where officers discovered one individual fatally shot on a nearby street.
Overview of Recent DeKalb County Crime Incidents (January 2026)
| Incident | Date and Time | Location | Details | Investigation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Shot | Sunday, January 4, 2026, just before 7 p.m. | 300 block of North Stone Mountain Lithonia Road, Stone Mountain, DeKalb County | Young child injured by gunfire during an argument among a group of people; child not believed to be targeted. | Active and ongoing by DeKalb County Police. |
| Deadly Shooting | Saturday, January 3, 2026 | Near Candler Road, DeKalb County | One person fatally shot; homicide investigation underway, suspect search ongoing. | Active and ongoing by DeKalb County Police. |
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