Ever since Interstate 85 just south of Georgia 400 collapsed due to a massive fire, hundreds of thousands of commuters have been forced to find either alternate routes or alternate transportation altogether. For many, MARTA has become a boon. However, one recent MARTA trip became a nightmare for everyone on board.
Atlanta local Chauncey Lee Daniels opened fire at about 4:30 p.m. on a train in northwest Atlanta, at the West Lake MARTA station. In this “targeted, but isolated” event, he killed one passenger and injured three others. As he was trying to escape, Daniels tripped and fell and was apprehended. The three injured victims were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where they are recovering from non-life threatening injuries. A fifth person was injured in the chaos, but was not struck by a bullet.
As of now, authorities are not sure why Daniels opened fire on passengers in the train. The West Lake station was closed for hours for the investigation, and reopened at about 8 p.m. Buses were used to accommodate passengers instead.
Due to the shooting, MARTA has increased police presence across the entire system. However, this is not the first incident of its nature. So far this fiscal year, MARTA officials have undertaken a total of five murder investigations. In the previous four fiscal years, there were zero.
Daniels faces charges of assault and murder. He waived his first court appearance. Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to call MARTA at 404-848-4911.
Organizations like MARTA have an obligation to protect the safety of passengers. When that obligation is not met, victims may be entitled to compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a shooting in Atlanta, you have legal rights. Contact Mike Rafi today for a free, no-obligation consultation.