A 16-year-old from Georgia has been taken into custody after his own father assisted law enforcement in turning him in, following allegations of a serious shooting incident that left another youth hospitalised with facial and neck wounds.
Details of the Alleged Shooting Incident
Lequan Stephens, aged 16, was arrested after police discovered a juvenile victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the face and neck in the front seat of a vehicle in Atlanta last Saturday. According to reports from the Clayton County Sheriff's Office, Stephens is accused of firing the shots inside the car before fleeing the scene. The incident is said to have occurred shortly before both individuals planned to attend a party.
Arrest Warrant and Previous Allegations
The sheriff's office secured an arrest warrant for Stephens on suspicion of aggravated assault and criminal damage to property, describing him as 'armed and dangerous' at the time. Furthermore, warrants obtained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation suggest Stephens was allegedly involved in a separate shooting incident last August, adding to the severity of the case.
Family Cooperation and Law Enforcement Efforts
Stephens was turned in on Tuesday with the assistance of family members and acquaintances, after authorities made it clear he had 'no place to hide and would receive no assistance'. His father specifically brought him to the Clayton County Police Department on Wednesday. Multiple agencies, including the Lovejoy Police Department, GBI, Clayton County Police Department, and United States Marshals Service, collaborated in the arrest operation.
Family's Perspective on the Teenager
Relatives have portrayed Stephens as a caring, loving, and kind child who has endured significant hardship. His cousin, AIeisha Chandler, expressed concern over youth violence, stating, 'All over the world these children is out of control, and the thing about it is, what are we going to do to stop this?' She highlighted broader issues, questioning how to curb gun violence and prevent 'good kids like Lequan' from becoming 'lost in the system', while also pondering the source of firearms.
Chandler described Stephens as a 'good kid', the eldest of eight siblings, who recently graduated middle school with commendable grades. The family revealed he has faced trauma in recent years, including a fire at the family home and caring for his chronically ill mother, who is currently hospitalised awaiting a heart and liver transplant. Stephens has been assisting his father and blind grandfather in supporting the family.
Ongoing Concerns and Community Impact
Another cousin, Fatima Chandler, contested the 'armed and dangerous' label, saying, 'Lequan is a sweet, loving and caring young man, and he’s far from armed and dangerous.' She extended prayers for the other young man involved. The victim remains in hospital, though specific details on their condition have not been disclosed, leaving the community grappling with the repercussions of juvenile gun violence and the complex circumstances surrounding the case.
