Atlanta 18-year-old shot in bed as bullets pierced home; police search for suspect

Gunfire enters Southwest Atlanta home, injuring teenager in bedroom

An 18-year-old Atlanta resident remained hospitalized this week after being struck by gunfire while inside her family’s home on McDaniel Street SW, an incident that authorities say began with shots fired outside the residence late Sunday night.

Police were called to the area at about 11:40 p.m. Sunday after reports of gunfire. The teenager, identified as Raven Brown in local reporting, said she was in her bedroom and on the phone when she heard shots outside. She said she did not immediately realize she had been hit until she fell and then felt pain, before running to alert her mother.

Family members described multiple rounds entering the home. The reported bullet path included damage to glass and the front door before rounds traveled through the interior and into the bedroom wall.

Injuries and medical decisions

Brown’s family said the shooting caused significant injuries, including a broken shoulder and a broken rib, along with lung damage. Medical staff determined the bullet should not be removed because of its proximity to a major artery, the family said.

The shooting occurred just before Brown’s birthday, and her family said she spent her birthday at Grady Memorial Hospital.

“I thank God every morning for me waking up,” Brown said in an interview about her recovery.

What investigators have confirmed—and what remains unclear

Police have not announced any arrests or publicly identified a suspect. Investigators have indicated they are working to determine whether the home was targeted and are reviewing surveillance video from the surrounding neighborhood.

Authorities have not released details on how many shots were fired, from where the shots originated, or whether gunfire came from a vehicle or an individual on foot. Police did recover shell casings at the scene, but have not provided further information about the firearm or firearms involved.

Community safety concerns and ongoing appeal for information

The case has renewed attention on the risk posed by gunfire reaching inside homes, where residents have limited ability to protect themselves and may be unaware they are in danger until rounds penetrate doors, windows, or walls.

• Location: McDaniel Street SW, Atlanta

• Time of police response: about 11:40 p.m. Sunday

• Status: no suspect publicly identified; investigation ongoing

Police are asking anyone with information that could help identify the shooter to contact the Atlanta Police Department.