DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A 26-year-old Atlanta man is in custody after authorities say he carried out a series of random shootings across DeKalb County and Brookhaven that left two women dead and one man critically injured within a span of hours.
Police identified the suspect as Olaolukitan Adon Abel. Investigators believe he moved through multiple locations early in the morning, opening fire on victims who had no known connection to him.
Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley described the incidents as deeply disturbing. He said the quick identification and arrest likely prevented further violence and potential additional victims.
The first attack happened just after 12:50 a.m. outside a Checkers restaurant on Wesley Chapel Road. A woman was shot multiple times and later died from her injuries.
Roughly three hours later, at around 2:00 a.m., officers responded to Cherokee Plaza near a Kroger on Peachtree Road. There, a 49-year-old unhoused man was found with multiple gunshot wounds while sleeping outside a business. He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
Authorities said officers arrived quickly and began emergency life-saving efforts at the scene, which they believe helped improve his chances of survival.
The final deadly incident occurred around 6:50 a.m. on Battle Forest Drive. Police say 40-year-old Lauren Bullis was shot multiple times and also stabbed while she was walking her dog. She later died from her injuries.
Investigators emphasized that none of the victims are believed to have had any connection to the suspect. The shootings are being treated as random acts of violence that unfolded across different jurisdictions, including unincorporated DeKalb County and Brookhaven.
Police said a silver Volkswagen Jetta rental car was identified through license plate reader technology, which helped track the suspect’s movements and led investigators to him. Abel was later arrested in Troup County.
He now faces charges including murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Officials said more charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Authorities noted strong coordination between multiple agencies during the investigation and arrest. They also said there is currently no ongoing threat to the public as they continue to examine the suspect’s motive.
