Armed 17-year-old carjacker rolls the dice, promptly meets his match when victim pulls his own gun and opens fire



An armed 17-year-old is in "grave condition" after police said he pulled a gun on a man sitting in his vehicle early Tuesday morning in the Baltimore neighborhood of Canton, WBAL-TV reported.

The would-be carjacking victim and the teen exchanged gunfire outside a car wash off South Haven Street, police told the station.

'I mean, it's always shocking, but it seems as though this is a consistent pattern with what's been happening lately with carjackings in the district. Carjackings are up.'

Police told WBAL the 31-year-old victim flagged down an officer around 2 a.m. on Boston Street saying he'd been shot. Police said investigators believe the victim was shot five minutes away on South Haven Street, where he was sitting in his car before the teen walked up to him armed with a gun, the station said.

Police said the victim grabbed his licensed handgun, and he and the teen exchanged gunfire, after which the teen was unresponsive, WBAL reported, adding that police haven't said whether the teen acted alone.

Medics took the man to a hospital for treatment, according to WBAL's news radio station.

Around 2:20 a.m., police were called to the South Haven Street location and discovered an unidentified male — later confirmed to be the 17-year-old — suffering from severe gunshot wounds, the news radio station said.

Emergency medical personnel were dispatched, and the teen was taken to a hospital in critical condition, the news radio station added.

Those with information about the incident can call police at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP, WBAL said.

"I mean, it's always shocking, but it seems as though this is a consistent pattern with what's been happening lately with carjackings in the district. Carjackings are up," Arch McKown — vice president of Baltimore Police Department Southwest District Community Relations Council, a liaison between his neighbors and police — told WBAL.

City police data shows carjackings have increased 1,000% since this time last year — from just one reported in the Southeastern District in 2023 to 11 in the same time span this year, WBAL said.

In August, a 16-year-old female driver was shot during an attempted carjacking, Baltimore police told WBAL. Police said the girl and two of her friends were seated in the parked car in the 5100 block of Levindale Road around 7:20 p.m. Aug. 3 when a masked assailant approached them, flashed a gun, and "demanded the occupants get out of the car," the station said. Police told WBAL that the girl immediately reversed the vehicle and was trying to drive away when the assailant shot into the car, striking the teen. Police said she was taken to a hospital, the station said.

- YouTubeyoutu.be

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Intense police bodycam video captures shootout with suspect who's later charged with attempted murder of 2 officers



Intense bodycam video Milwaukee police released last week captures a July 17 shootout between cops and a suspect who was later charged with attempted murder of two officers, WISN-TV reported.

On July 16 — the day before the shootout — 22-year-old Jayuntae Gregory shot two family members in their home, hitting one victim eight times in the body and wounding the other victim two times in the chest, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported, citing a criminal complaint. The victims were hospitalized in critical condition, the paper said.

'Please don't kill [my] baby ... he shot my two cousins ... there he go.'

Police interviewed two of Gregory's brothers and his father, the paper said, adding that one of the brothers said Gregory fired a "Draco"-style rifle inside the house and that he suffered from mental health issues. The brother added to police that as Gregory ran out of the house, he told him he had "killed" the two family members, the Journal-Sentinel noted.

The criminal complaint included details about the next day's shootout at a gas station store located in the 4300 block of West Capitol Drive, the paper said. WISN said police received a call from the suspect's family reporting that he was at the location.

Gregory was inside the gas station store buying two bottles of water when officers arrived outside and encountered his father, who told officers, "Please don't kill [my] baby ... he shot my two cousins ... there he go," the Journal-Sentinel noted.

Officers shouted for Gregory to drop his bag and put his hands up, but instead he walked to the front door and asked, "Me?" the paper reported.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

Gregory then retrieved the AK-47-type rifle from his backpack and took cover behind the store's merchandise, the Journal-Sentinel said.

Two officers entered the store and told Gregory to show his hands, but instead Gregory fired at the officers multiple times, prompting the officers to retreat, the paper said.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

Image source: YouTube screenshot

Gregory opened the door multiple times, the Journal-Sentinel reported.

Separate surveillance video outside the store shows the suspect just after the 10-minute mark appearing to exit the store and firing at officers.

The paper said officers shot Gregory when he attempted to run out of the store.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

The suspect was arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment of nonfatal injuries, WISN said.

Gregory was charged with four counts of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, one count of first-degree recklessly endangering safety, one count of failure to comply with officers, and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, the paper reported.

His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 16 when a doctor's report on his competency to stand trial is scheduled to be returned, the Journal-Sentinel said.

The officers were placed on administrative duty, WISN said.

You can view police bodycam video of the incident below. The suspect appears to fire shots at officers inside the store just after the 1:35 mark; the suspect appears to fire shots at officers while making a break from the store's front door just after the 7:35 mark. Content warning: Language:

July 17th, 2024, Officer Involved Shooting - Video #1youtu.be

Anything else?

The paper added that when Gregory was 17, he was arrested in connection with a 2019 armed robbery at a restaurant, and he pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to two years of prison and four years of extended supervision, the Journal-Sentinel reported, citing state court records.

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Thug attempts carjacking, winds up shot for his trouble; cops say victim is licensed to carry



A 20-year-old male attempted a carjacking in the Philadelphia area late last week and wound up shot amid an exchange of gunfire, police said.

What are the details?

Upper Darby police told WPVI-TV a white Kia sideswiped another car in the 300 block of Richfield Road around 12:30 a.m., after which the victim followed the Kia in an attempt to speak to its driver.

When both vehicles were stopped at a light at the intersection of Marshall and Hampton Roads, Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt told WPVI a rear passenger exited the Kia and "tried to carjack" the driver who was allegedly sideswiped.

Bernhardt added to the station that "there was an exchange of gunfire," one of the shots hit the alleged carjacker in the back, and the wounded male jumped back into the Kia, which sped off. WPVI said an Upper Darby officer heard the gunfire and called for backup.

"They did try to stop the car, and the car wouldn't stop, so they were pursuing the car to try to stop the vehicle," Bernhardt noted to the station.

Soon, the driver of the Kia lost control and crashed, WPVI said.

That ain't the half of it

Police told the station three individuals were inside the Kia. One was the shot carjacking suspect — a 20-year-old male from Colwyn who was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition, WPVI said. The second individual was the driver — who is all of 15 years old and from Darby Borough, the station said, adding that the cops caught him. The third person in the Kia got away, WPVI said.

What's more, the station said the crashed Kia had been reported stolen. Blaze News has reported on the rash of Kia and Hyundai thefts of late.

"The Kias and Hyundais are stolen all day, every day," Bernhardt noted to WPVI.

The station said the victim who was allegedly sideswiped is a 38-year-old Upper Darby man, and police said while they don't yet know if he fired the shot that hit the would-be carjacker, they say he's licensed to carry.

WPVI said Upper Darby police are working with the District Attorney's office to determine charges in the case.

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Gun owner who said he fired back at crooks gives them a warning: 'Stop the stupidity ... you're going to end up getting hurt'



A Texas gun owner who says he returned fire at break-in suspects early Wednesday morning gave them a stern warning about what their futures might hold if they keep up their lawlessness.

"Stop the stupidity because you're going to end up getting hurt," Greg Willis told KXAS-TV.

What are the details?

Willis told the station his Ring camera outside his Arlington home in the 6100 block of Vancil Drive started going off just before 2 a.m.

"[I] wake up, see someone in my son's car," he recalled to KXAS.

Image source: KXAS-TV video screenshot

Willis added to the station that he and his son went after reportedly three suspects, and at least one of them pulled out a gun and began firing.

"They started shooting at us first, and I returned fire," Willis noted to KXAS.

Willis told the station his son took cover behind a neighbor's truck, which was hit by gunfire.

“I could have been shot, or they could have been shot," Willis added to KXAS, noting it was like something out of the Wild West. "A lot of bullets ringing out."

He also told the station this was the first time he's used his gun in an incident like this and that his adrenaline is still pumping: "I still haven't been to sleep."

"Pretty much now all the neighbors, we are on high alert," Willis added to KXAS.

What happened next?

Police noted to the station that while the suspects ran away, officers set up a perimeter and found two of them hiding in a nearby shed. Police told KXAS they also found a gun and took the two suspects into custody without incident.

Arlington Police said 19-year-old Keaundre Lemon was booked into the Arlington City Jail for criminal trespass along with an outstanding warrant, the station reported. However, a Thursday review of jail records shows no entry for Lemon.

Police also arrested 18-year-old Ahmad Bland for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal trespass, KXAS said, adding that cops noted they're still looking for the third suspect.

While the station said no one was hurt in the shootout, Willis gave a stern warning to the suspects: "You can't run to the well too many times without getting caught. Stop the stupidity because you're going to end up getting hurt."

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Cop who put down gunman inside Dearborn police station won't be charged for his 'lawful self-defense.' Newly released footage shows why.



A 33-year-old walked into a Detroit-area police station armed with a handgun in late December and attempted to open fire. Owing to performance issues and the swiftness of a nearby officer, he was unable to follow through with a possible Christmastime massacre.

Amid claims by Ali Naji's family that the dead gunman was a victim of unlawful deadly force, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced Thursday that the officer who put him down will not face criminal charges.

The Dearborn Police Department has provided footage contextualizing the officer's vindication.

What are the details?

TheBlaze previously reported that around 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 18, a masked gunman entered the lobby of the Dearborn Police Department, just a few miles west of Detroit. The lobby had seen a great deal of civilian traffic that day as people were bringing in presents for Toys for Tots.

An officer asked the gunman, "How are you doing?"

Ali Naji, 33, evidently had no time for pleasantries. He took a look around, pulled a concealed handgun from his waist, and attempted to fire on the uniformed officer behind the front desk.

One officer can be heard in the newly released footage of the incident yelling, "Gun, gun, gun, gun!"

According to officials, Naji had stolen the gun just prior to the incident from a barbershop where he previously worked.

Although Naji appears in the security footage to have pulled the trigger, there was no muzzle flash. The gun had jammed. The gun belonging to the quick-thinking officer at the front desk had no such problem.

As Naji fiddled with the handgun, removing and reinserting the magazine, the targeted officer drew his service weapon.

Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin said the gunman attempted to "rack the gun slide to resolve the malfunction."
"At this point the officer recognizes that the suspect poses a lethal threat to not only himself but to others who may be in or around the lobby. Acting on his duty to confront the lethal threat, the officer slides open the glass and fires several rounds at the suspect," said Shahin.

WXYZ-TV reported that the officer put Naji down with 17 rounds in 4.5 seconds.

When the dead gunman's stolen weapon was recovered, the safety was off and one round was in the chamber, reported WJBK.

Here is the newly released footage of the incident (warning: graphic):

Dearborn Police Critical Incident December 2022 Video Footage youtu.be

Lawsuit

On March 3, the deceased gunman's family filed a lawsuit against the City of Dearborn and the officer who prevented Ali Naji from successfully opening fire on officers inside the police station. The suit claims that Ali Naji was "the victim of unlawful deadly force" and demands $10 million in compensatory damages.
The suit alleges that the officer "failed to take any steps to de-escalate and deemed it appropriate to fatally shoot ALI NAJI without any attempt to ascertain the purpose of his presence in the Dearborn Police Station."

It is unclear from the lawsuit whether the plaintiffs reckon the officer should have waited for Naji to exhaust his ammunition before asking about the purpose of his visit.

The 21-page lawsuit also contends that "as a direct and proximate result of [the officer's alleged failure to de-escalate the situation], NAJI suffered terror and fear as Defendant DOE fired his weapon multiple times causing his death."

"Reasonable officers in the position of [the officer] at the time of this incident … would have known, in light of existing law, that the unlawfulness of this action was apparent under the circumstances, would be a violation of clearly established law, and of NAJI’s constitutional rights against unlawful deadly force," the lawsuit also alleges.

WJBK reported that the family is also suing for assault and battery, gross negligence, violation of the Persons with Disabilities Act, and violation of the Freedom of Information Act.

Vindication

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced Thursday that the officer involved in the shooting will not face criminal charges, having acted in self-defense.

Worthy's office noted, "On the day of the shooting, police and civilians had been in and around the outside of the police station. The officer in the lobby although behind bullet resistant glass was the only person immediately available to confront Mr. Naji. He objectively posed an imminent threat to the officer and any other person who may have entered the public lobby during the incident."

"It is clear from the facts and evidence in the case that the officer acted in lawful self- defense and defense of others. No charges will issue in this matter and the warrant request is denied," added the prosecutor's office.

"We may never know why Mr. Naji walked into the Dearborn Police Department with a loaded weapon attempting to fire it at a police officer. My office will not be issuing charges in this case. Although extremely tragic, this is a clear case where the officer acted in lawful self-defense and in the defense of others," said Worthy.

Naji's former attorney Nabih Ayad told WDIV-TV that the dead gunman had previously set a strip mall on fire and assaulted Wayne County Jail staffers.

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Michigan State Police releases footage of gunman's efforts to shoot down police helicopter, final moments



A 33-year-old Michigan man could have ended up with a fine or jail time for pointing a laser at a police helicopter. For having swapped out the laser for a rifle, he ended up dead.

The gunman recently moved into a derelict home on Terry Street, north of Detroit's downtown. He can be seen in newly released footage peering out a second-floor window just before 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, pointing a laser at a police helicopter, which had been patrolling the neighborhood.

"If the pilot had been blinded and crashed into this neighborhood, it would have been a lot worse," 1st Lt. Mike Shaw, MSP, told WJBK. "Anybody that thinks that that’s a joke or you’re just trying to see what would happen, the potential there is bringing that aircraft down."

Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a federal crime (18 U.S. Code § 39A) carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison or a $250,000 fine.

According to the Michigan State Police, officers in the airborne unit notified Detroit Regional Communication Center that they were being hit by a green laser.

The man quickly swapped out the laser for bullets and made made his way outside.

"Now there’s somebody standing at the back door. Right now, they’re in the backyard,” the pilot said. “He actually might — he might be armed. He almost looks like he’s holding a long gun pointed at us right now. Yeah, he’s shooting at us right now. He’s firing rounds. He’s got a long gun, extended magazine."

The gunman fired at the helicopter multiple times. Hot shell casings and muzzle flashes appear pronounced in the police footage owing to the helicopter camera's thermal imaging.

The gunman then retreated inside and reportedly resumed firing at police from the second floor of the house.

Troopers from Metro South post responded, approaching the residence on foot, said police. The suspect reportedly turned his fire on them, but the troopers proved to be the better shots.

Neither the troopers nor the helicopter were hit in the incident. The suspect's apparent last stand was final.

Shaw said, "The suspect was hit and went down. We had our emergency support team show up, and went up to approach the house. There were concerns because he was still armed and was laying there."

KTXS reported that six firearms, including the one the suspect had used to fire on the police chopper, were found at the scene.

Shaw noted that they also found "ammunition stashes throughout the home as if it were set up for some type of ambush or security purposes or whatever."

MSP noted that the two troopers involved in the incident have nine and two years of service experience respectively, and both are presently on leave.

\u201cThere were no injuries to troopers or members of the public. Trooper Two (Helicopter) was not hit in the incident. Below is part of the video in the incident. It may be disturbing to some. 3/\u201d
— MSP Second District (@MSP Second District) 1674672667

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Homeowner who fatally shot teens after they broke into his back yard armed with handgun, machete — and fired at homeowner — won't be charged



The Colorado homeowner who fatally shot a pair of teenagers who broke into his Northglenn back yard armed with a handgun and machete — and fired at the homeowner — won't be charged.

What are the details?

Northglenn police and the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office last week said evidence showed the resident around 2 p.m. Oct. 2 saw an “unknown and uninvited male in their backyard cutting the leaves and branches of their marijuana plant with a machete," KDVR-TV reported in regard to the incident in the 11600 block of Pearl Street.

Police said the two males — 15 and 16 — broke a fence to gain entry into the backyard and tried to get into a garage-like structure attached to the home, the station said.

The resident then grabbed a .45-caliber handgun and went outside and yelled “Really? Get out of here” to the teens, who in response ran into a shed-like structure attached to the residence, KDVR said, citing the DA.

The resident said he was targeted with multiple gunshots, the station said.

“He saw muzzle flashes aimed in his direction and heard several gunshots come from inside the shed. The resident then returned fire. The two male teens were inside the shed when this exchange of gunfire occurred,” the DA and police said in their joint statement, KDVR said.

Both teens suffered gunshot wounds, the station said, adding that one died at the scene, while the other died at a hospital.

“The outcome of this incident is tragic. Two teenagers are dead, and their loss is heartbreaking. The District Attorney’s Office and the Northglenn Police Department must follow the law and the evidence, however, and the evidence clearly shows that the resident of the home acted in self-defense when he returned fire after being fired upon multiple times," officials said, KDVR reported. "Therefore, the resident will not be arrested or charged in this incident.”

The resident wasn't injured, the station said.

An airsoft gun that reportedly had been stolen from a nearby home was found with the teens but "was not a factor in the shooting," police told KUSA-TV.

Anything else?

Family members identified one of the teens as 16-year-old Ismael Cordova, KUSA said.

“He wasn’t a bad kid," Christina Cordova told KUSA of her son. "He was just making a dumb decision, and now he’s gone.”

Christina Cordova also told KUSA she doesn't believe her son or the other teen deserved to die.

“What they were doing in his yard by his house is not right, but that’s not the right way to handle it," Christina Cordova added to the station. "That’s not the right way to handle it.”

1 juvenile exchanged gunfire with resident after backyard break-in, Northglenn police sayyoutu.be

Trespassing teens who died after shootout with homeowner were armed with handgun, machete. Mom of one teen says shooting them was 'not the right way to handle it.'



Police said the pair of trespassing male teens who broke into a Northglenn, Colorado, back yard and died after a shootout with the homeowner Sunday were armed with a semi-automatic handgun and a machete, KUSA-TV reported.

An airsoft gun that reportedly had been stolen from a nearby home was found with the teens but "was not a factor in the shooting," police added to the station.

What are the details?

Officers responded around 2 p.m. to a home in the11600 block of Pearl Street on a report of trespassing and menacing, KUSA said.

Police said Wednesday two juveniles broke a fence to gain entry into the back yard and garage-like structure attached to the home, the station added.

One juvenile had a semi-automatic handgun, and the other had a machete, police told KUSA, adding that both weapons were recovered from the scene.

One of the juveniles and the homeowner exchanged gunfire, police told the station, adding that it's unclear who fired first or how many shots were fired.

Both juveniles were shot and taken to a hospital, where they later died, KUSA said, adding that the homeowner was uninjured.

Police believe the same juveniles burglarized a nearby home just hours before the shootout, KCNC-TV reported, adding that the airsoft gun was the only item stolen from the home.

Mom of one teen says shooting them was 'not the right way to handle it'

Police haven't released the names of the teens, but family members identified one of them as 16-year-old Ismael Cordova, KUSA said.

“He wasn’t a bad kid," Christina Cordova told KUSA of her son. "He was just making a dumb decision, and now he’s gone.”

Christina Cordova also told KUSA she doesn't believe her son or the other teen deserved to die.

“What they were doing in his yard by his house is not right, but that’s not the right way to handle it," Christina Cordova added to the station. "That’s not the right way to handle it.”

Anything else?

Police will present the results of their investigation to the district attorney's office, which will determine what, if any, charges are appropriate, KUSA said.

1 juvenile exchanged gunfire with resident after backyard break-in, Northglenn police sayyoutu.be

Amber Alert teen killed during shootout between police and her dad: Report

Amber Alert teen killed during shootout between police and her dad: Report



A young girl who had been the subject of an Amber Alert was reportedly struck and killed during a shootout between her father and police.

On Monday, police issued an Amber Alert for Savanna Graziano, 15, of Fontana, California, about an hour east of Los Angeles. Police feared that she had been abducted by her father, Anthony Graziano, after he supposedly murdered Tracy Martinez, the girl's mother, during a domestic incident.

At the time, Anthony Graziano, 45, was considered armed and dangerous. The alert included a description of Graziano's vehicle and a license plate.

On Tuesday, a motorist spotted the vehicle and reported it to law enforcement. When police caught up with the suspect, he was traveling southbound on I-15, headed toward L.A. He and police then began exchanging gun fire. At some point near Victorville, the suspect's car became disabled.

When the car came to a stop, someone inside continued to fire at police. Savanna Graziano then reportedly exited the vehicle, wearing a tactical helmet and a "trauma plate" such as those inserted into a bulletproof vest, and ran toward police. Savanna was then struck by a bullet, though it is unclear whether the bullet came from police or from the suspect.

After police secured the scene, Savanna was given medical assistance and transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The suspect also reportedly died of a gunshot wound in the incident.

San Bernardino Sheriff Shannon Dicus shared these details with reporters during a press conference he held on Tuesday. However, he cautioned that "[t]his all still needs to be confirmed and is preliminary information."

Dicus did not say how many times Savanna or Anthony had been struck. He did confirm that one firearm — an AR-15-type rifle — was recovered from the suspect's vehicle. He also alleged that a gun from the suspect's vehicle put "several rounds through the windshield of the patrol unit."

One deputy was injured by shrapnel during the event and is reportedly in stable condition.

Dicus also added that there "may be some indication" that Savanna shot at police as well, and Fox 11 Los Angeles reported that the shots directed at police came from the passenger side of the suspect's vehicle.


Navy veteran grabs his rifle after spotting prowlers outside his home — then a furious shootout erupts: 'I knew I had to act'



Navy veteran Whitfield Smith grabbed his rifle after spotting prowlers outside his Georgia home in the middle of the night last week — and a furious shootout erupted after he headed to his driveway to get a closer look.

Much of the scary encounter was captured on surveillance video.

What are the details?

WAGA-TV characterized Smith's neighborhood near Jonesboro — about 30 minutes south of Atlanta — as "quiet."

It was anything but in the early morning hours of July 11 after Smith saw potential trouble outside his home, the station said.

"As I keep looking at the Ring camera I noticed a young man running from the neighbor's yard across my yard and into the street to meet up with two other gentlemen," he told the station.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

Then things got scarier for Smith, as one of the individuals headed down his driveway.

"I can see from the camera he’s hunched down wearing a gray hoodie, and he has a firearm in his hand. He tries to get into the BMW in the driveway. The door's locked," Smith recounted to WAGA.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

"My first thought was to protect my house and protect my property," Smith told WAGA. "I just wanted to get the intruders away."

Whitfield SmithImage source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

'I grab my rifle, and I head outside'

"I grab my rifle, and I head outside," he told the station.

Smith was shirtless and wearing only flip-flops and pajama pants in that moment — but the main thing on his mind was protecting his wife who was hiding inside their home, WAGA noted.

"I knew I had to act,” Smith added, according to Inside Edition.

Surveillance video shows Smith approaching his driveway — he later added to WAGA that the armed individual was using his truck as a shield — and then a shootout erupted.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

Smith is then seen quickly backpedaling toward his home, kicking off his flip-flops, and heading back inside.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

He soon returned to the driveway with a shirt and shoes on.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

“I could hear them trying to get away," he added, according to Inside Edition. "They're jumping over fences."

'I survived Afghanistan and everywhere else'

While Smith was uninjured, he added to the station he fears he would be dead if it weren't for his BMW shielding him from the nearly two dozen bullets fired in his direction.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

"I don’t want to die at home. I survived Afghanistan and everywhere else. To die at home? In my own yard?" an incredulous Smith — who's also a father — reflected to WAGA.

Image source: WAGA-TV video screenshot

"This was coordinated," he told WAGA of the incident. "They were working together as a team to get this done."

Anything else?

The station added that a gun which was inside Smith's truck was stolen, and that those who know anything about what took place can contact Clayton County police anonymously.