Suspect on the run after ‘targeted’ shooting on MARTA train, police say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A suspect is wanted in connection to a Friday night shooting on a MARTA train, according to the MARTA Police Department.

The shooting happened at the Midtown MARTA station on 10th Street. MARTA police said shots were fired on a stopped train on the southbound platform.

“Hid between the cars in case the guy wanted to come back,” shared a witness, Devonte Render. “Just heard three shots, and we all got down on the train car I was on. And then we didn’t hear anything after that.”

“We’re about to move up and then all of the sudden we heard pop, pop, pop, and then we hit the ground,” mentioned another witness, Chelsea Mensah.

A man was found with gunshot wounds to his arm and leg. He was taken to a nearby hospital and is in stable condition.

Police have not provided a description of the suspect but said they believe it was a targeted incident.

The seconds after the shooting dragged on like hours for passengers in the railcar next to it, leaving many traumatized.

“I’m like god, I can’t die here, I literally started shaking,” said Mensah.

“For this to happen on the train, I’ve never seen that in my life,” said Render.

The shooting comes just a day after the federal government launched an investigation into the public transit agency after two stabbings, one of which was deadly.

The recent violent acts have heightened fears among MARTA riders like Mensah, prompting calls for action beyond the new entry-point upgrades at Midtown Station.

“Definitely needs to be more invested into security, not even cops, just to make it better and more secure,” said Mensah.

MARTA under federal investigation over system’s security and safety

It also comes as Atlanta prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of people to the city for the World Cup, which the city is set to host a number of matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Most fans are expected to take public transportation to get there.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.