DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — The Douglasville Police Department said on Monday there will be a large police presence at an upcoming carnival at Arbor Place Mall. The news comes after a man was shot outside the mall Sunday.
The police said that there will be a law enforcement presence, seen and unseen, at the carnival, which will take place from March 14 through March 24. As many as six officers will work the carnival in addition to the department's crime reduction unit, and detectives -- who will not be wearing uniforms -- will conduct concentrated patrols.
A 32-year-old man was shot in the parking lot a little after noon on Sunday, March 10. The man suffered from multiple gunshot wounds and is receiving medical treatment at a hospital. According to police, a 41-year-old woman was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery.
In a social media post, the police department also had a message for parents.
"As a friendly reminder, carnivals are not babysitters. Parents are responsible for making sure their children make good decisions and know where they are at all times. Keeping kids out of trouble starts with a parent. By the time we have to get involved, it is already too late," the post reads.
Douglasville Police have responded to incidents involving teenagers in this area in the past. For example, back in August 2023, two teens were arrested after a fight began inside the mall. In addition, during an event at the mall in 2022, 19 juveniles and an adult were taken into custody after a series of brawls erupted. Nine ended up being charged with violation of the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, among other charges, 11Alive previously reported.