JONESBORO, Ga. — Two Shootings Minutes and Miles Apart Spark Fears of Possible Connection on Tara Boulevard
Residents of Jonesboro, Georgia, were left shaken late Wednesday night after two separate but closely timed shooting incidents unfolded along the busy corridor of Tara Boulevard. The Clayton County Police Department is now intensively investigating the shootings, which occurred just minutes apart and within a short distance of each other. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the incidents are directly related, but the proximity in both time and location has raised serious concerns about a possible connection.
First Shooting: Chaos Erupts Near Southside Plaza
The first shooting was reported shortly after 9:00 p.m. in the area near Southside Plaza, a popular shopping center along Tara Boulevard. Witnesses say they heard several rapid gunshots followed by screams and the sound of vehicles speeding away. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a male victim in his mid-20s suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
According to preliminary reports, the victim was walking out of a convenience store when he was suddenly ambushed by an unknown assailant. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed by police to determine the shooter’s identity and whether the victim was targeted or randomly attacked.
Second Shooting: Shots Fired Near Tara Stadium
Just 10 minutes later and roughly three miles north, another 911 call came in reporting gunfire near Tara Stadium. Officers responding to the scene discovered a second victim, a female in her early 30s, who had been shot while sitting inside her parked car. She was rushed to Southern Regional Medical Center and is currently listed in stable condition.
Witnesses in the area reported seeing a dark-colored SUV fleeing the scene at high speed immediately following the gunfire. Investigators are exploring whether the same vehicle may have been spotted at the first shooting location, fueling speculation that the two incidents could be linked.
Community on Edge
The rapid succession of the two shootings has left many in the Jonesboro community feeling anxious and fearful. Tara Boulevard, a major thoroughfare lined with businesses, schools, and residential areas, is typically busy in the evening hours. The randomness of the violence has heightened concerns about public safety.
“I was just across the street getting dinner when I heard the shots,” said Sheila Thomas, a nearby resident. “It’s terrifying to think that something like this can happen so close to home. Now I’m afraid to even go out after dark.”
Local business owners also expressed unease about the growing violence along the corridor. “We’ve always seen occasional crime here and there,” said Kareem Douglas, who owns a barbershop near one of the crime scenes. “But two shootings back-to-back like this? It feels like something bigger is going on.”
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Clayton County Police Department has significantly increased patrols along Tara Boulevard in response to the shootings and has urged anyone with information to come forward. Detectives are working to piece together timelines, compare witness statements, and analyze ballistic evidence to determine whether a single suspect or group may be responsible.
“At this time, we are not ruling out the possibility that these incidents are connected,” said Capt. Phuong Nguyen during a late-night press briefing. “We are following all leads and working with neighboring jurisdictions to gather as much information as possible.”
The department also encouraged residents and business owners in the area to check security camera footage from between 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Wednesday for any suspicious activity or vehicles.
Appeals for Information
Anyone who may have witnessed either shooting or who has any relevant information is asked to contact Clayton County Crime Stoppers at (770) 477-4479. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
A City Looking for Answers
As investigators continue their search for answers, many in the Jonesboro community are left grappling with unease. The shootings serve as a stark reminder of how quickly violence can erupt — and how vital it is for communities to remain vigilant and cooperative in times of crisis.
Whether these two shootings turn out to be related or not, Clayton County residents are hoping swift justice will bring reassurance and safety back to their streets.
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