x
Breaking News
More () »

4 students shot near the Atlanta University Center library

Police said the students were all taken to the hospital alert and breathing.

ATLANTA — Police responded after four students were shot near the library at the Atlanta University Center overnight.

According to Atlanta Police, it happened around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday near the intersection of James P. Brawley Drive SW and Beckwith Street SW. That's near the heart of the Atlanta University Center in Atlanta's west side.

Police said they initially found three women students with gunshot wounds near the Robert W. Woodruff Library at the AUC. Those students were immediately taken to Grady Hospital. That's when a fourth student showed up to the hospital as well to be treated for a gunshot wound. Police said the victims are in stable condition.

Police told 11Alive that two victims are Clark Atlanta students and two are from Spelman College. Investigators said they believe two separate groups were fighting each other and the four victims were simply caught in the crossfire. Police don't believe they were targeted. 

Police have identified the victims in the shooting as Erin Ennis, 18, of Powder Springs, Maia Williams-McLaren, 18, of Boston, Elyse Spencer, 18, of Rochester, NY and Kia Thomas, 19.

On Wednesday afternoon, police released video showing a man who they believe was connected to the shooting. The man . The man in the video is seen wearing a white t-shirt, gray sweat pants, a tan Gucci hat, and gray New Balance sneakers.

Both Atlanta Police and Clark Atlanta Police investigators are canvassing the area and speaking with witnesses to gather more information.

READ: This is what we know about the four students shot near Atlanta University Center library

According to the school's calendar, classes are set to start Wednesday, Aug. 21.

11Alive's Ryan Kruger spoke to one student who said he heard about five or six shots before seeing a rush of people running. 

"We were just here playing the video game, and we heard some gunshots go off, about five or six," the student added. 

RELATED: 'We saw everybody running' | Student describes panic after shooting near Clark Atlanta University

The student said there was some sort of block party with about a hundred people. 

A Twitter user who said he was at that same block party with a friend shared video from the scene with 11Alive that shows the panic after.

Both Spelman and Clark Atlanta have issued statements on the incident.

Spelman's, signed by the Vice President for Student Affairs Darryl B. Holloman, said in part: "Our hearts go out to the students, their families and loved ones, during this extremely difficult time. The entire Spelman community is here to support them."

RELATED: Mom relives murder of daughter on Clark Atlanta University campus following recent shooting

The school said counselors will be available to students.

"We are asking our faculty to be aware and prepared to support those students experiencing the effects of this tragedy who may not be in class, as well as others who will attend class, but will need guidance and an opportunity to discuss any concerns," the statement added.

Clark Atlanta's, from school President Lucille H. Maugé, said: "Members of the Office of Student Affairs have been in touch with the students and their families and are providing assistance, and I will be visiting the students at the hospital. The entire CAU community is here to support the students and their families during this difficult time."

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at  404-577-TIPS. People with information leading to arrest and indictment are eligible for reward of up to $2,000. 

MORE STORIES

Woman claims she was drugged, assaulted, held against her will inside Roswell home

19-year-old Georgia woman who crashed stolen car killed by tractor-trailer on I-20 in South Carolina

'Baby Jan Winter' finds paramedics who transported her 36 years after being pulled from dumpster

Before You Leave, Check This Out