ATLANTA, Ga. — A homeowner arrested in southwest Atlanta after police say he shot two juveniles who were allegedly attempting to steal packages from outside his residence.
According to authorities, the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at a townhome complex in the Villages of Cascade community. Investigators say the two teenagers, both under the age of 18, were seen following a delivery vehicle and attempting to take packages from a front porch when the homeowner confronted them.
Police allege that during the encounter, the homeowner fired a gun, striking both juveniles. One teen was shot in the arm, while the other sustained a gunshot wound to the foot. Both were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Officials said their injuries were serious but non-life-threatening, and both are expected to survive.
The homeowner, identified by police as 34-year-old Rakim Bradford, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, as well as possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Authorities stated that while package theft is a crime, the use of deadly force is generally not justified solely to protect property. The case remains under investigation as detectives review evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over self-defense laws, gun use, and the limits of force in protecting personal property, particularly as porch thefts continue to rise nationwide.
No additional information about the juveniles has been released due to their ages.
Video Credit ABC News