Cobb County

Cobb police stepping up patrols after 3 shootings this month at popular shopping areas

Cobb County police are increasing patrols around shopping centers after three recent shootings all within a mile of each other.

The most recent shooting happened Tuesday night at Akers Mill Square.

“People were yelling, ‘Get down, get down,’” witness Laura Wilt said. “And I’m thinking, am I ever going to see my family again?”

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Wilt ducked under a table and called 911 when she heard the shooting Tuesday night outside the Cinco Mexican Cantina. Police said someone shot 36-year-old Willie Snelson during a fight.

“What I walked away from with this incident was it could happen to any of us, at any time,” Wilt said.

Shopper Gail Cummings said she also witnessed the shooting while she was out for dinner.

“We came out to get our car, and there was a man that hit this woman, and she fell to the ground,” Cummings said.

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This week’s shooting is the third within a mile of each other this month. All three shootings happened on Tuesday nights at busy shopping and dining areas.

The first happened at Main Event Entertainment on March 16. Police said 20-year-old Jamarcus Mclure shot a 12-year-old in the chest.

The following Tuesday, there was a shooting outside the Cumberland Mall. Police found three men and an elementary-aged child who were shot. Police later arrested the men, saying the group shot at each other.

Police said despite the similarities, the shootings are not connected, but it’s a good reminder to record and report what you see.

“That way should anything occur, we can use that as evidence,” Officer Shenise Barner said.

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