Atlanta police detail life-saving response after 9-year-old is shot during early-morning drive-by attack

Child recovering after being struck while sleeping as gunfire hit a southwest Atlanta home

Atlanta police say a 9-year-old boy is recovering after being shot during an early-morning drive-by shooting that sent rounds into a home in southwest Atlanta. Officers who responded described urgent first aid and rapid coordination with medical personnel as critical in stabilizing the child after the shooting.

The incident unfolded before dawn on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, when patrol officers were dispatched to a residence on Meadowlane Circle. Investigators said the preliminary findings indicate there was an exchange of gunfire involving people at the scene and occupants of at least two vehicles that arrived outside the home.

Surveillance video from the neighborhood shows two cars pulling up near the residence at about 3:45 a.m. Several individuals got out and fired multiple shots toward the house. The child was struck while inside, and relatives later said he had been asleep when the gunfire erupted.

Police response centered on immediate care and rapid transport

Police said the first responding officers moved quickly to locate the wounded child and begin emergency measures while arranging for medical transport. The boy was taken to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where family members said physicians determined the bullet traveled through his back and into his leg. Relatives said the projectile could not be immediately removed because of its proximity to a major artery, requiring monitoring before any potential surgery.

The child later described waking to pain and confusion, telling relatives he did not initially understand the sounds were gunshots.

Key questions remain about motive and targets

Investigators have not announced arrests or publicly identified suspects. Police said they are actively working to determine who fired the shots and why the residence was targeted.

Relatives told authorities they were informed by neighbors that the shooters may have gone to the wrong address, noting that another nearby home resembles theirs and had been associated with prior incidents. Police have not confirmed whether the wrong-house theory is supported by evidence.

• The number of shooters and whether multiple firearms were used has not been publicly detailed.
• Police have not confirmed whether anyone in either vehicle was injured during the exchange of gunfire.
• Investigators have not released suspect descriptions or vehicle identifiers beyond the existence of two cars on video.

The shooting adds to continued concerns about gunfire endangering bystanders inside residences. Police are asking anyone with information, including additional video from the area, to provide it to investigators as the case develops.